Ever wonder why a player gets a special shout‑out after a match? The Impact Player Medal is that shout‑out. It’s given to the athlete who changes the game’s flow, not just by scoring runs or taking wickets, but by making decisive moves that swing momentum. Fans love it because it spotlights the moments that make a match unforgettable.
Unlike a regular ‘Man of the Match’ award that often goes to the highest scorer, the Impact Player Medal looks at the overall effect on the contest. A quick‑fire over, a game‑changing catch, or a tactical spell that stops the opposition’s run‑rate can all earn the medal. The idea is simple: acknowledge the player who tipped the balance, even if the stats don’t scream ‘hero.’
The selection process is usually a mix of data and human judgement. First, analysts run a quick algorithm that checks key metrics – strike rate during crucial phases, wickets taken in the death overs, or runs saved in the field. Those numbers feed a shortlist.
Next, a panel of former players, commentators and sometimes even a fan poll reviews the shortlist. They ask questions like: Did this player raise the team’s confidence? Did the moment change the scoreboard dramatically? The panel then votes, and the player with the most votes gets the medal.
Because the award is tied to specific moments, it’s often announced right after the match, sometimes even during the live broadcast. That instant reaction adds excitement and gives viewers a clear highlight to remember.
In the IPL 2025 playoffs, Kusal Mendis grabbed the Impact Player Medal for a blistering 78‑run knock that rescued Gujarat Titans from a steep chase. His innings turned a losing position into a comfortable win, and the panel praised his calm under pressure.
Across cricket’s other formats, Cooper Connolly earned the medal after a five‑for against South Africa in Mackay. The spell broke a 38‑year record and swung the match in Australia’s favour. Even though the wickets weren’t the highest total, the timing was perfect – breaking a solid partnership that seemed unshakeable.
In football, the Indian Super League’s Impact Player Medal went to a midfielder who scored a late equaliser and then set up the winning goal in the final minutes. The award highlighted his dual role as a scorer and creator.
These examples show the medal isn’t about pure numbers; it’s about moments that change the narrative. If you’re a player aiming for the award, focus on high‑leverage situations – the death overs in cricket, the final 10 minutes in a football match, or any point where the game hangs in the balance.
For fans, the Impact Player Medal gives a shortcut to the most thrilling parts of a game. Instead of scrolling through a full recap, you can watch the moments that earned the medal and instantly feel the excitement.
So next time you hear “Impact Player Medal” on a broadcast, you’ll know it’s not just another trophy. It’s a badge for the player who made the biggest dent in the match, delivering the kind of drama that keeps us glued to the screen.
Sanju Samson clinched the Impact Player medal after a 39‑run blitz and key stumping led India to a Super Over win over Sri Lanka, setting up a final vs Pakistan.