Who chooses the Player of the Match in IPL?

In cricket competitions such as the Indian Premier League, (IPL) a player who either contributes most to a team’s victory or provides the finest individual performance during a match is awarded Player of the Match. The player who has the biggest influence on the team’s victory is typically rewarded. In certain cases, a match’s top individual performer from two teams is rewarded.

The player who stepped up in other areas would be rewarded when there are other players who almost have the same effect on their squad. The top individual performer is honoured regardless of the match’s final outcome if such an impact is minimal. In certain cases, some of the choices may be contentious.

It is not required to take the most wickets in a match or score the most runs by playing the most balls in order to win this award. Nevertheless, it is crucial to contribute to the team’s victory or perform exceptionally well on your own. Most matches require a difficult decision to be made, however others may have an obvious victory.

A group of people that are typically in the commentary box are chosen to be the Player of the Match. Commentators and broadcasters who have previously worked as coaches, cricket players, or analysts may be among them. In certain exceptional circumstances, the on-field referees will be consulted in order to have the closest possible view of the game.

It is the responsibility of the commentators chosen for a match to explain action based on analysis in addition to describing action and statistics. A batter’s or bowler’s entry position, their performance in various game phases, the surface’s characteristics, a player’s influence on the game, and numerous other important aspects are all taken into consideration.

IPL 2025 Player-of-the-Match panel can include,

• Commentators
• Former cricketers
• Umpires
• Match Referees
• Other Match Officials

An analysis of an execution of the Player of the Match Award that was not ideal

On paper, these are the requirements, however in certain cases, the most worthy players do not always win Player of the Match. For instance, in the IPL 2025 encounter between RCB and RR, the three-time runners-up had to chase 158 runs. The RCB’s innings was opened by Phil Salt and Virat Kohli.

After Salt was dismissed in the opening over, Devdutt Padikkal entered the crease for the Bengaluru-based team. The task for Padikkal was marginally more difficult based on the entry points. Virat and Padikkal ultimately scored 73*(54) and 61(35), respectively. With a strike rate of 174.29, Padikkal outperformed Kohli, who had a strike rate of 135.19.

Notably, Kohli reached his fifty in forty-three balls and then picked up speed in the closing seconds of the game. Padikkal was more likely to be named Player of the Match based on impact. Kohli did not outperform Padikkal in the field aside from a run out. Nevertheless, the judges decided to award him, which surprised Kohli.