Indian T20 2021: Most Valuable Player

The Indian Premier League (Indian T20) 2021 edition had reached the halfway point when the Covid-19 second wave peaked in India. Few players and members of the coaching staff tested positive for the virus, leaving the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) with no option but to postpone the season.  

Three weeks later, the BCCI announced UAE would host the remaining matches of the Indian T20 2021. On July 25, much to the excitement of cricket fans and fantasy cricket players, BCCI released the fixtures of the remaining 31 matches. 

With the tournament to resume on September 19, we take a closer look at one of Indian T20’s popular awards – the Most Valuable Player. Also, the leading candidates to win the Most Valuable Player in the 14th edition of the Indian T20. 

What is the Most Valuable Player award? 

The Most Valuable Player previously known as Man of the Series, is one of the most prestigious awards in Indian T20. It is given to the most performing player and recognizes the all-round contributions. Players receive points for a four, six, wicket, dot ball, catch, and stumping. At the end of the season, the player with the most points wins the award.

Points system: 3.5 points – for every six and wicket taken, 2.5 points for every four, catch taken, and stumping made, 1 point per dot ball bowled

Winners of Indian T20 Most Valuable Player award

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson was first the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award, introduced from the 2013 season. He claimed 386 points from 16 matches. Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) captain Virat Kohli won it in 2016. With 307 points, England’s Jofra Archer claimed the Most Valuable Player award in Indian T20 2020.

Since 2013, West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell is the only player to win it twice. He emerged Most Valuable Player in the 2015 and 2019 seasons. Ben Stokes became the first Englishman to grab the award, while Sunil Narine remains the only spin bowler to have won the Most Valuable Player in Indian T20. 

All-time Indian T20 Most Valuable Players

Indian T20 2021 Most Valuable Player

Shikhar Dhawan is leading the race for the Most Valuable Player award in the Indian T20 2021 so far. He has struck 43 fours, hit eight sixes, and took eight catches. The 35-year-old, who has hit a record 634 fours in the tournament, has amassed 155.5 points from eight matches. 

With 149.5 points, Ravindra Jadeja is second in the table. He has managed to bowl 58 dot balls and pick up six wickets in Indian T20 2021. Jadeja hammered five sixes and four boundaries against RCB alone. He would be hoping to become the second spinner to win the prestigious award.

CSK all-rounder Moeen Ali has occupied the third spot in the stands after racking up 146.5 points so far. The Englishman has hit 22 fours and 12 sixes in his and claimed five wickets. He also made 27 points from dot balls.

Indian T20 2021 Most Valuable Players (Top 10)