The Man of the Series (MotS) award in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has been given to standout players for their exceptional performances in the series. The award recognizes contributions with both bat and ball across multiple matches, often highlighting players who have delivered match-winning performances. Over the years, the award has been presented to both Indian and Australian players, with many notable cricketers like Ricky Ponting, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, and Ravichandran Ashwin receiving it. Each MotS recipient has left a significant mark on the series, contributing to their team’s success and the legacy of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
India’s Dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
In the 21st century, the BGT has matched the intensity of the historic Ashes rivalry between Australia and England, known for its high stakes, competitive spirit, and on-field drama.
India and Australia first met in Test cricket in 1947, and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy was established in 1996, named after two of the greatest captains and batsmen from both countries: Australia’s Allan Border and India’s Sunil Gavaskar. The series is typically played every two years, alternating between home and away venues.
While Australia holds the overall advantage in Test cricket with 48 wins to India’s 33 losses, India has been more successful in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India has won 25 BGT Test matches, while Australia has won 23, with 13 matches ending in draws.
In terms of series victories, India leads with 10 BGT wins, compared to Australia’s six, with one series drawn. Over the years, both teams have been home to match-winning players who have stepped up to lead their sides to victory, delivering some of the most memorable performances in the history of the rivalry.
Who holds the record for the most Man of the Series (MotS) awards in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT)?
India’s Sachin Tendulkar holds the record for the most Man of the Series (MotS) awards in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning it three times. He earned these accolades in the 1996, 1999-2000, and 2010 series against Australia.
Here’s a look at the Man of the Series (MotS) award winners throughout the history of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT):
| Year | Host Country | Winner | Score | Man of the Series (MotS) |
| 1996 | India | India | 1-0 | Nayan Mongia |
| 19998 | India | India | 2-1 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 1999-2000 | Australia | Australia | 3-0 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 2001 | India | India | 2-1 | Harbhajan Singh |
| 2003-04 | Australia | Draw | 1-1 | Rahul Dravid |
| 2004 | India | Australia | 2-1 | Damien Martyn |
| 2007-08 | Australia | Australia | 2-1 | Brett Lee |
| 2008 | India | India | 2-0 | Ishant Sharma |
| 2010 | India | India | 2-0 | Sachin Tendulkar |
| 2011-12 | Australia | Australia | 4-0 | Michael Clarke |
| 2013 | India | India | 4-0 | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| 2014-15 | Australia | Australia | 2-0 | Steve Smith |
| 2017 | India | India | 2-1 | Ravindra Jadeja |
| 2018-19 | Australia | India | 2-1 | Cheteshwar Pujara |
| 2020-21 | Australia | India | 2-1 | Pat Cummins |
| 2023 | India | India | 2-1 | Ravindra Jadeja/Ravichandran Ashwin |
| 2024-25 | Australia | Australia | 3-1 | Jasprit Bumrah |