The modern game of cricket combined with a deep history and a rich strategy has given due importance to individual excellence by means of awarding the Man of the Match (MOTM). It is that reward given to the player of the match whose contribution towards winning the match was the maximum for a particular match. However, have you ever wondered who decide man of the match in cricket and how is man of the match decided in cricket? Well, let's just dive into the complexities of this important decision-making process. The Importance of Man of the Match Image Source : Indian Cricket Team Updates The origin of the Man of the Match award came with cricket, however it soon spread to other team sports. It is a method of recognizing exceptional contribution by any given individual in the context of a game. Deciding on the recipient is not an easy matter as the same individual often tends to become a glib. Who Decide Man of the Match in Cricket? Image Source : CricHeroes The process for naming the Man of the Match in cricket differs among all the cricket tournaments, series, or match organizers. However, it is decided by each and every one of them. However, some of the following key people and entities play a contributory role: 1. Umpires and Match Referees: Being the most closest of the officials to the action on the field, umpires and match referees are well placed to assess the performance of all players in the game. Their views normally find a place when a Man of the Match is to be decided. 2. Commentators and Expert Panels: Normally, the decision of the Man of the Match would lie with an expert panel-formed by ex-players and commentaries. But it would be better judged keeping in view the reality of the ground. 3. Broadcasters: The say often goes to the channel broadcasting a match, especially if the channel is sponsoring the award. 4. Fan Voting: In some tournament, be especially the T20 leagues, the votes of the fans through their social media platforms or short message service may be included in the voting. 5. Team Captains: The captains of the teams competing may be occasionally consulted as to their opinion of the best performances. Also Read | The Complete Guide to Full Cricket Gear: Equipping Yourself for Success How is Man of the Match Decided in Cricket? There are various aspects that are usually considered when one decides whom to select as the Man of the Match : 1. Batting Performance A batsman who scores a century or plays a match-winning innings while coming under pressure is usually a prime candidate for the Man of the Match award. The context of the runs scored is as important as the quantity. 2. Bowling Performance Bowlers who take successive wickets, and that too at crucial situations of the match, often find themselves in the fray for the award. A five-wicket haul or an economical spell that converts the game can prove decisive. 3. All-Round Contribution Players who contribute with both bat and ball have much value attached to them. An all-round performance that swings the match in favor of a player is pretty easy to spot when it comes to selecting the Man of the Match. 4. Brilliance of Fielding Though this may not happen often, turning about a match by sheer brilliance of fielding is also done. This may perhaps include miraculous catches, runouts, or other fielding brilliance that save crucial runs. 5. Match-Winners Probably, the most decisive element is how much of an impact a player has in getting the result of the match. It could be a tailender who scores some necessary runs in a T20, or a bowler who breaks a crucial partnership in a Test match. 6. Match Result While this may not be a rule, per se, this is what normally occurs-the Man of the Match incidentally comes from the winning side. There have indeed been numerous instances where players belonging to the losing side have been awarded for their exceptional individual efforts. Man of the match controversies The Man of the Match award sometimes happens to be controversial in nature as it is very subjective. Sometimes, there was fan and analyst disagreement on the choice of the Man of the Match; that had happened in closely fought matches where several players have really played great cricket. Among the many debates that can come into play, one stands out: is it a given that the Man of the Match must originate from the winning side? Well, in many cases, the Man of the Match comes from the winning faction; however, there are those instances when the performance of the said player in a losing cause was so extraordinary that it earned him the prize. Also Read | Top Different Cricket Bat Shapes: Your All-Inclusive Guide to Choosing the Perfect Willow Varying by Process Across Cricket Formats The criteria for picking the Man of the Match may be a little different depending on the format of the match: • In Tests, performance over five days is of prime importance. A player who influences the match in more than one innings and/or more than one day gets selected. • In ODIs, winning innings or match-changing bowling spells are usually recognized. • T20 cricket hence, after a few overs can sometimes make the selectors focus on explosive batting or economical bowling performances because the game is mostly condensed. Conclusion Choosing the Man of the Match involves some objective statistics along with the subjective evaluation. Where no concrete formula is present, it is chosen by the individuals who best understand the game, keeping in view those factors that have contributed to a player's influence on the match. The techniques of picking the Man of the Match might change with the growth of cricket, but the very core of the award remains unchanged: to praise and honor brilliance at a personal level within cricket-the lovely game of teams.