This list highlights captains who have been awarded the POTM in ICC Men’s Finals. It includes legendary performances, showcasing their leadership and match-winning contributions in key finals across various ICC tournaments, solidifying their place in cricket history.
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Rohit Sharma, India, 2025 ICC Champions Trophy
Indian captain Rohit Sharma delivered a dazzling performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final, scoring 76 off 83 balls. Opening the innings in a challenging chase of 252 at the Dubai International Stadium, Sharma shared a 105-run partnership with Shubman Gill. Despite his dismissal by Rachin Ravindra, Sharma’s seven boundaries and three sixes played a pivotal role in India’s successful chase, securing the win with four wickets and an over to spare. He was named ‘Player of the Match,’ becoming the first-ever captain to receive this honor in a Champions Trophy final.
MS Dhoni, India, 2011 ICC ODI World Cup
MS Dhoni’s leadership in the 2011 ICC ODI World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai was nothing short of exceptional. As captain, Dhoni orchestrated a successful chase against Sri Lanka, leading his team to victory. Coming in at a delicate 114-3, with India needing 275 to win, Dhoni played a composed and explosive innings, scoring an unbeaten 91 off 79 balls. His knock included eight boundaries and two sixes, one of which sealed the victory in the penultimate over.
Dhoni’s calm under pressure was a defining feature of the chase, and his performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award, making him the first Indian captain to win this accolade in an ICC tournament final.
His captaincy and batting prowess were instrumental in ending India’s 28-year-long World Cup drought. Dhoni’s leadership ensured that India lifted the coveted trophy in front of a euphoric home crowd, cementing his legacy as one of cricket’s greatest captains. This iconic World Cup win remains one of the most memorable moments in Indian cricket history.
Ricky Ponting, Australia, 2003 ICC ODI World Cup
In the 2003 ICC ODI World Cup final at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, Ricky Ponting delivered a masterclass in batting. The Australian captain played an unbeaten 140* from just 121 balls, punishing the Indian bowlers with eight sixes and four boundaries. His powerful innings helped Australia set a mammoth target of 360, finishing with 359-2 in 50 overs. Ponting’s incredible display of skill and aggression came against the likes of Zaheer Khan, Javagal Srinath, and Harbhajan Singh, who struggled to contain him. Supported by a dominant bowling performance from his team, Australia cruised to a comprehensive victory, securing their second consecutive World Cup title. Ponting’s remarkable performance earned him the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the final.
Clive Lloyd, West Indies, 1975 ICC ODI World Cup
In the 1975 ODI World Cup final at Lord’s, former West Indies captain Clive Lloyd delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 102 runs off just 85 balls against Australia. Lloyd’s explosive century helped West Indies post a formidable total of 291-8 from their 60 overs. Alongside him, Rohan Kanhai contributed a steady 55 runs, supporting Lloyd’s aggressive innings. Despite a strong fight from the Australian side, including a four-wicket haul from West Indies’ fast bowler Keith Boyce, Lloyd’s scintillating knock proved to be the difference. His contributions were vital in securing West Indies’ first-ever World Cup title, with a 17-run victory over Australia. Lloyd’s century is remembered as one of the greatest in World Cup history. For his match-winning performance, he was rightly awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ honor. This victory marked the beginning of West Indies’ dominance in the world of limited-overs cricket.