The much-awaited ODI series between India and Australia is around the corner, starting October 19 in Perth. This series will see Shubman Gill leading the side for the first time in the 50-over format.
It also marks the beginning of India’s long preparation towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who have returned to the squad, will be in the spotlight once again as India takes on their toughest white-ball rivals.
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With the return of India’s senior pros and a new leader at the helm, the upcoming series has stirred plenty of curiosity. And as the two cricketing giants get ready to clash again, fans have started looking back at the stars who have dominated this fixture over the years.
Who has won the most Player of the Match awards in India vs Australia ODIs?
Over the years, several big names have made their mark in India–Australia ODIs, but none more than Sachin Tendulkar. The legendary Indian batter holds the record for the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards with 12 times in 71 matches.
Virat Kohli is following him with six awards in 50 matches. Rohit Sharma, another modern-day great, sits close behind with five awards in 46 games.
Australian legends like Andrew Symonds, Allan Border and Ricky Ponting also feature in the list, each with five or four awards. Steve Smith and Yuvraj Singh are tied with four.
MORE: Most WTC centuries by an Indian: Shubman Gill breaks Rohit Sharma’s World Test Championship record
Below is the full list:
| Player | POTM Awards | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 12 | 71 |
| Virat Kohli | 6 | 50 |
| Andrew Symonds | 5 | 36 |
| Allan Border | 5 | 38 |
| Rohit Sharma | 5 | 46 |
| Steve Smith | 4 | 30 |
| Yuvraj Singh | 4 | 41 |
| Ricky Ponting | 4 | 59 |
Can anyone from the current team climb closer to Tendulkar’s record?
As India begins their three-match ODI series in Australia, the focus will again be on the senior duo, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Both have been match-winners in this fixture before and strong performances could take them closer to Tendulkar’s long-standing record.
Realistically, neither player can reach the top spot in this short series, but they can narrow the gap. Still, Tendulkar’s record of 12 remains a high mountain to climb, one that might stay untouched for a while.
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