The IPL Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is given to the player who truly changes games for his team throughout the season. Earlier, this award was known as the “Man of the Tournament,” but later the IPL renamed it the MVP award. To make the selection more fair and clear, the league also brought in a points system that counts batting, bowling, fielding, and overall match impact. It will be quite interesting to watch who will eventually get this award in the Indian Premier League Season 19.
Shane Watson Started the MVP Story
The first player to win this award was Shane Watson in 2008. He was one of the biggest reasons why Rajasthan Royals lifted the trophy in the very first IPL season. Watson delivered in almost every important game with both bat and ball and became the face of RR’s dream run that year.
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Later in 2013, when the new MVP points system was introduced, Watson once again had a massive season and won the award for the second time. With that, he became the first player in IPL history to win the MVP award twice. Even today, only a few players have managed to achieve that record.
IPL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Winners List (2008–2025) and year 2026 TBH
2008 – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
Watson was everywhere in IPL 2008. He scored important runs, picked wickets at crucial moments, and gave Rajasthan Royals the balance they needed to win the title in the very first season.
2009 – Adam Gilchrist (Deccan Chargers)
Gilchrist changed the energy of Deccan Chargers with his fearless batting and attacking captaincy. He gave explosive starts almost every game and played a massive role in their title-winning campaign.
2010 – Sachin Tendulkar (Mumbai Indians)
Sachin showed pure class throughout the season. He carried Mumbai Indians with consistent performances at the top and looked in control against every bowling attack.
2011 – Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
This was the season where Gayle became unstoppable. Bowlers had no answers to his power-hitting as he smashed sixes for fun and turned matches around within a few overs.
2012 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Narine arrived in the IPL and instantly became one of the toughest bowlers to face. Batters struggled to read him, and his economical spells helped KKR win their first IPL trophy.
2013 – Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
Watson once again proved why he was one of the best all-rounders in T20 cricket. He delivered with both bat and ball and became the first player to win the MVP award twice.
2014 – Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings)
Maxwell played fearless cricket that season. Whether Punjab needed quick runs or momentum in the middle overs, he stepped up and changed games with aggressive batting.
2015 – Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Russell became KKR’s biggest match-winner with his finishing ability and wicket-taking bowling. He was the kind of player who could change the result of a match in just a few deliveries.
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2016 – Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
This season belonged completely to Kohli. He scored runs everywhere, broke records, smashed centuries, and almost single-handedly took RCB to the final.
2017 – Ben Stokes (Rising Pune Supergiants)
Stokes brought intensity into every match. Whether with aggressive batting or important wickets, he made an immediate impact in his first IPL season.
2018 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Narine added another dimension to his game by becoming a dangerous opener. Along with his mystery spin, his attacking batting made him one of the most valuable players that season.
2019 – Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Russell looked unstoppable in 2019. He rescued KKR multiple times with unbelievable finishing and brutal hitting during pressure situations.
2020 – Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)
Even in a difficult season for Rajasthan Royals, Archer stood out. His pace bowling, death overs, and lower-order hitting made him one of the most impactful players in the tournament.
2021 – Harshal Patel (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
Harshal surprised everyone with his wicket-taking consistency. His slower balls and variations worked brilliantly, especially in pressure overs.
2022 – Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)
Buttler dominated bowlers from the very first match. He scored heavily throughout the season and played a huge role in Rajasthan Royals reaching the final.
2023 – Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Gill showed maturity beyond his age. He looked technically solid, played big innings under pressure, and became Gujarat Titans’ most dependable batter.
2024 – Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Narine once again proved why he is one of the greatest IPL players ever. He contributed in every department and played a key role in KKR’s successful campaign.
2025 – Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)
Suryakumar entertained fans all season with his fearless and creative strokeplay. His ability to score quickly and handle pressure made him Mumbai Indians’ biggest performer.
2026 IPL MVP Award is TBA…
ALSO READ: From Chris Gayle To Suresh Raina: Players With Most Runs In An Over Of IPL