Top 5 Indian players with most BCCI Cricketer of the Year Awards

Every year, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recognizes the achievements of Indian cricketers through its prestigious Naman Awards ceremony. First introduced in the 2006–07 season, these awards celebrate outstanding performances across international, domestic, and junior cricket.

One of the most coveted honors is the Cricketer of the Year award, named after legendary Indian cricketer Polly Umrigar. This award is given to a player who has delivered exceptional performances in international cricket over the year.

Over time, several Indian stars have managed to win the Polly Umrigar Award multiple times, highlighting their consistency and impact at the highest level. 

Here’s a look at five Indian players who have won the BCCI Cricketer of the Year award most times.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin – 2

Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest spin bowlers, announced his retirement from international cricket in December 2024. The right-arm off-spinner had an incredible career, winning the BCCI Cricketer of the Year award twice (2012–13 and 2020–21). He finished as India’s second-highest wicket-taker in both international cricket and Test matches, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

4. Sachin Tendulkar – 2

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar was honored with the BCCI Cricketer of the Year award twice—first at the inaugural ceremony in the 2006–07 season, and again in 2009–10.

He retired from all forms of cricket in 2013, bringing an end to one of the greatest careers in the sport’s history. Tendulkar also made history as the first batsman to score a double century in One Day Internationals, and he still holds the record for the most international centuries, with an incredible 100 to his name.

3. Shubman Gill – 2

Shubman Gill first won this prestigious award in 2022–23, and he’s now claimed it again in 2026 for his outstanding performances during the 2024–25 season.

He was in incredible form during the 2025 Test series against England, where he piled up 754 runs in just five matches. His tally included four centuries, and he consistently dominated the opposition bowling attack. Along the way, he broke several records and truly stood out as the star of the series with his remarkable batting display.

2. Jasprit Bumrah – 3

Jasprit Bumrah has firmly established himself as one of India’s most reliable match-winners. The right-arm fast bowler has been named the BCCI Cricketer of the Year three times, first earning the honour in the 2018–19 season. He went on to receive the award again in 2021–22 and most recently in 2023–24, thanks to his consistently outstanding performances across formats.

Adding to his achievements, Bumrah recently finished as the leading wicket-taker in the T20 World Cup 2026, further proving his impact on the global stage.

1. Virat Kohli – 5

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli holds the record with five BCCI International Cricketer of the Year awards. He first won the honor in the 2011–12 season and then dominated the category by winning it four years in a row from 2015 to 2018.

Kohli stepped away from T20 Internationals in 2024 and retired from Test cricket in 2025. As of now, he continues to represent India only in the 50-over (ODI) format.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports