Virat Kohli holds the record for most BCCI Cricketer of the Year awards, winning it five times. He stayed ahead because of consistent runs, fitness, and impact across formats.
This award, officially called the Polly Umrigar Award, is given annually by the BCCI to the best Indian male cricketer across formats. It reflects consistency, impact, and match-winning performances.
In this listicle, let us look at the Indian players with the most BCCI Cricketer of the Year awards, along with what made them stand out in their winning seasons.
BCCI Cricketer of the Year Awards – Overview
Here is a quick overview of the top 10 players with the most BCCI Cricketer of the Year Awards:
| Rank | Player | Awards Won | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virat Kohli | 5 | 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18 |
| 2 | Jasprit Bumrah | 3 | 2018–19, 2021–22, 2023–24 |
| 3 | Ravichandran Ashwin | 2 | 2012–13, 2020–21 |
| 3 | Sachin Tendulkar | 2 | 2006–07, 2009–10 |
| 5 | Shubman Gill | 2 | 2022–23, 2024–25 |
| 6 | Mohammed Shami | 1 | 2019–20 |
| 7 | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 1 | 2013–14 |
| 8 | Gautam Gambhir | 1 | 2008–09 |
| 9 | Virender Sehwag | 1 | 2007–08 |
| 10 | Rahul Dravid | 1 | 2010–11 |
1. Virat Kohli – 5 Awards
Virat Kohli won the award multiple times because he dominated across all formats during his peak years. He scored heavily in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Between 2014 and 2018, Kohli averaged above 50 in most formats and delivered consistent centuries. His ability to chase targets made him stand out.
His fitness, adaptability, and hunger for runs made him the most reliable batter. That consistency is what kept him ahead of every other player.
2. Jasprit Bumrah – 3 Awards
Jasprit Bumrah earned his awards by becoming India’s most dependable bowler in all conditions. He performed equally well in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
He delivered crucial spells in overseas conditions, especially in Australia and England, where he picked wickets at key moments.
His accuracy, control, and ability to bowl under pressure made him unique. That consistency across formats helped him win the award multiple times.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 2 Awards
Ravichandran Ashwin received the award due to his dominance in Test cricket, especially in home conditions, where he regularly picked big wickets.
He was often the leading wicket-taker in series and also contributed with important runs lower down the order.
His all-round ability and match-winning spells made him a key player. That overall impact helped him stand out during those seasons.
4. Sachin Tendulkar – 2 Awards
Sachin Tendulkar won the award during a phase when he was still delivering top performances despite being in the later stages of his career.
He scored heavily across formats, including his historic double century in ODIs, which became a major highlight.
His experience, consistency, and ability to anchor innings made him invaluable. He remained India’s most trusted batter during that period.
5. Shubman Gill – 2 Awards
Shubman Gill earned his awards with consistent performances at the top of the order across formats. He converted starts into big scores regularly.
He scored heavily in ODIs and Tests, showing the ability to adapt to different conditions and match situations.
His technique and calm approach make him reliable. That consistency at a young age helped him quickly reach multiple awards.
6. Mohammed Shami – 1 Award
Mohammed Shami won the award after delivering strong performances with the ball, especially in Test cricket, where he picked crucial wickets.
He consistently broke partnerships and created pressure with his seam movement and pace.
His ability to strike at key moments made him important in matches. That impact across formats helped him earn the recognition.
7. Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 1 Award
Bhuvneshwar Kuar received the award due to his effective swing bowling, especially with the new ball in both Tests and limited formats.
He regularly provided early breakthroughs, putting opposition teams under pressure from the start.
His control and ability to move the ball in different conditions made him dependable. That consistency made him stand out in his winning season.
8. Gautam Gambhir – 1 Award
Gautam Gambhir earned the award after delivering consistent performances as an opener during a strong phase for Indian cricket.
He played key innings in important matches and maintained stability at the top of the order.
His ability to handle pressure and build innings made him valuable. That reliability helped him earn the recognition.
9. Virender Sehwag – 1 Award
Virender Sehwag received the award because of his aggressive batting, which often changed the course of matches quickly.
He scored fast and put bowlers under pressure from the beginning, especially in Test cricket.
His fearless approach and ability to dominate attacks made him impactful. That match-changing ability set him apart during that period.
10. Rahul Dravid – 1 Award
Rahul Dravid earned the award due to his consistency and strong performances, especially in challenging overseas conditions.
He played long innings and helped stabilise the team in difficult situations. His patience and technique made him dependable. That ability to anchor innings made him one of India’s most trusted players.
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Conclusion: Virat Kohli Has Won The Most BCCI Cricketer Of The Year Awards
Virat Kohli leads this list with five awards, showing unmatched consistency across formats. His dominance remains the benchmark in Indian cricket.
Players like Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin highlight how bowlers have also shaped match results in recent years.
With players like Shubman Gill already rising, the list may change in the future. But for now, Kohli remains clearly ahead.
