Winning the Player of the Tournament on debut in a multinational cricket event is a rare and remarkable achievement. A few Indian players shone in their debut tournaments, impressing fans and critics with outstanding performances. Their exceptional skills and fearless approach set the stage for memorable careers from the very beginning.
Cricketers To Win POT in Debut Tournament
The list of players who have won the Player of the Tournament award in their debut multinational event is very short, starting with legends like Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan, and now ending with Abhishek Sharma.
Abhishek Sharma- Asia Cup 2025
Abhishek Sharma made a sensational debut in the Asia Cup 2025, showcasing his aggressive batting and calm temperament under pressure. He played crucial innings in the group stages, helping India post competitive totals and chase challenging targets with ease. His fearless stroke play and smart running between the wickets quickly made him a key player for the team.
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| Match/Stage | Opponent | Runs | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (Match 1) | UAE | 30 off 16 balls | 2 | 2 |
| Group Stage (Match 2) | Pakistan | 31 off 13 balls | 4 | 2 |
| Group Stage (Match 3) | Oman | 30 off 17 balls | 3 | 2 |
| Super Four (Match 4) | Pakistan | 74 off 39 balls | 6 | 5 |
| Super Four (Match 5) | Bangladesh | 75 off 37 balls | 6 | 5 |
| Super Four (Match 6) | Sri Lanka | 61 off 31 balls | 5 | 3 |
| Final (Match 7) | Pakistan | 13 off 8 balls | 1 | 1 |
In the tournament, Sharma scored 254 runs in 6 matches at an impressive average of 50.8, including 3 half-centuries. With the ball, he contributed 6 wickets while maintaining an economy of 6.2, proving his value as a genuine all-rounder and earning the Player of the Tournament award on debut.
Shikhar Dhawan – ICC Champions Trophy 2013
Shikhar Dhawan was the standout batsman for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. He instantly became India’s top opener with his aggressive and confident batting. Dhawan’s sensational form, including crucial centuries and strong opening partnerships, allowed India to dominate the tournament and ultimately win the title. His outstanding performance earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
| Match/Stage | Opponent | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (Match 1) | South Africa | 114 (94) | 12 | 1 |
| Group Stage (Match 2) | West Indies | 102* (107) | 10 | 1 |
| Group Stage (Match 3) | Pakistan | 48 (41) | 5 | 0 |
| Semi-Final | Sri Lanka | 68 (92) | 6 | 0 |
| Final (Match 5) | England | 31 (24) | 4 | 0 |
In the tournament, Dhawan scored 363 runs in 5 matches at an impressive average of 90.75 and a strike rate of 101.39. His exceptional run-scoring included 2 centuries and 1 half-century, marking him as the top run-scorer of the competition and earning him the Player of the Tournament award.
Virat Kohli – ICC U19 World Cup 2008
Virat Kohli was the captain and a key batsman for India in the 2008 ICC Under-19 World Cup. His strong leadership and crucial batting performances helped guide the team to victory. Kohli’s sensational century and consistent scoring were vital, ensuring India progressed through the tournament to ultimately win the title by defeating South Africa in the final.
| Match/Stage | Opponent | Runs (Balls) | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group Stage (Match 1) | Papua New Guinea | 12 (17) | 1 | 0 |
| Group Stage (Match 2) | South Africa | 17 (22) | 2 | 0 |
| Group Stage (Match 3) | West Indies | 100 (74) | 10 | 4 |
| Super League (Match 4) | England | 43 (56) | 3 | 1 |
| Semi-Final | New Zealand | 0 (5) | 0 | 0 |
| Final (Match 6) | South Africa | 19 (34) | 0 | 1 |
