Thrilling Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline | Complete IPL Match History & Stats

24 January, 2026 CricbuzzStaff 0 Comments 1 category

Introduction: sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline

The Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) vs Rajasthan Royals (RR) rivalry is one of the most exciting and closely contested matchups in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since the formation of Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2013 as a successor to the Deccan Chargers, clashes between SRH and RR have produced thrilling finishes, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable cricketing moments. This rivalry perfectly combines Rajasthan Royals’ fearless and innovative batting style with Sunrisers Hyderabad’s disciplined bowling attack, making every encounter a must-watch spectacle for cricket fans around the world. Over the years, matches between these two teams have produced nail-biting finishes, last-over chases, record partnerships, and dominant spells of bowling that reflect the true spirit of IPL cricket.

Introduction: Understanding the Rivalry

The SRH vs RR rivalry is not just another IPL matchup; it represents a clash of two very different philosophies in T20 cricket. While Rajasthan Royals have traditionally focused on nurturing young talent, explosive batting, and innovative strategies, Sunrisers Hyderabad have built their identity around disciplined bowling, strong fielding, and clinical execution in crunch moments.

The rivalry has developed over the course of more than a decade, featuring several standout players, memorable matches, and tactical masterclasses. Fans have witnessed everything from low-scoring thrillers and last-ball finishes to record-breaking totals and match-winning centuries. The timeline of SRH vs RR matches showcases how both teams have evolved tactically, adapted to different conditions, and produced unforgettable IPL moments.

Overview of Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Rivalry

Detail	Information
First Match	IPL 2013
Total IPL Matches Played	18+
Most Wins	Sunrisers Hyderabad
Highest Team Score	SRH – 217
Lowest Team Score	RR – 102
Closest Finish	Matches decided by under 10 runs
Iconic Players	David Warner, Kane Williamson, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson

The numbers above highlight the competitive nature of this rivalry. Even though SRH leads in terms of wins, the matches are always closely contested, and RR has often responded with spectacular individual performances. This balance has made the SRH vs RR clash a highlight of every IPL season.

Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline: Season-by-Season Analysis

IPL 2013 – The Beginning of the Rivalry

The first chapter of the SRH vs RR timeline began in IPL 2013 when Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the league, replacing the Deccan Chargers. The first few matches set the tone for a competitive rivalry. RR, already known for their fearless approach, dominated with confident batting, while SRH struggled to handle spin and aggressive batting in pressure moments.

Match Highlights:

Rajasthan Royals ruled with calculated batting strategies.
SRH faced challenges against RR’s spin bowling.
RR secured an early dominance in head-to-head matches.

This season introduced fans to the intensity and unpredictability of this rivalry, with both teams showing early glimpses of their unique strategies and styles.

IPL 2014 – Tactical Battles

IPL 2014 saw matches between SRH and RR played across India and UAE. SRH began to establish batting stability under the leadership of David Warner, while RR faced middle-order collapses in key matches.

Key Moments:

David Warner’s steady form became a central feature of SRH’s batting.
Rajasthan Royals’ middle order occasionally collapsed under pressure.
SRH claimed a crucial victory showcasing the importance of consistent batting and tactical planning.

This season emphasized the growing tactical depth in SRH vs RR clashes, with matches often decided by small margins and strategic brilliance.

IPL 2015 – Rising Competition

IPL 2015 marked the rise of intense competition between these two teams. The matches were closer, and outcomes often hinged on a single player’s performance.

Match Insights:

SRH successfully chased challenging targets under pressure.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing bowling proved decisive in key matches.
Rajasthan Royals narrowly missed qualification momentum, highlighting the fine margins that defined the rivalry.

Fans were treated to closely contested matches, establishing the SRH vs RR rivalry as one of the most engaging in IPL history.

IPL 2016 – SRH’s Championship Year

2016 was a landmark season for Sunrisers Hyderabad, who went on to win their first IPL title. Matches against Rajasthan Royals were dominated by all-round performances from SRH, with batting and bowling units firing together.

Highlights:

David Warner and Kane Williamson anchored SRH’s batting innings.
SRH’s bowling unit, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, restricted RR’s scoring opportunities.
SRH dominated the rivalry in key encounters, reflecting their championship-winning form.

This season solidified SRH’s reputation as a team that could perform under pressure, particularly against strong opponents like RR.

IPL 2017 – Royals Fight Back

Rajasthan Royals bounced back in IPL 2017 with renewed energy and strong individual performances. The rivalry became more balanced as RR fought hard in each encounter.

Key Takeaways:

Ajinkya Rahane’s stylish batting played a pivotal role for RR.
SRH won one match, but RR’s determined performances made matches highly competitive.
Close contests highlighted the unpredictable nature of SRH vs RR fixtures.

Fans were thrilled as matches swung back and forth, with both teams showcasing tactical adaptability.

IPL 2018 – Royals’ Comeback Season

After their suspension, RR returned to IPL in 2018 and quickly made an impact against SRH. Sanju Samson and Rashid Khan emerged as game-changers for RR and SRH respectively.

Memorable Moments:

Sanju Samson’s aggressive stroke play entertained fans.
Rashid Khan’s match-winning bowling spells showcased SRH’s defensive strength.
SRH maintained a strong position but faced stiff resistance from RR.

This season demonstrated how new talents and tactical evolution kept the rivalry fresh.

IPL 2019 – Low-Scoring Thriller

IPL 2019 produced one of the lowest totals in SRH vs RR history, emphasizing the importance of bowling and fielding.

Match Summary:

Rajasthan Royals struggled against SRH’s disciplined bowling.
SRH defended a modest total, highlighting their tactical precision.
Bowling dominance was the key factor in deciding matches.

This match reflected the unpredictability and excitement inherent in this rivalry, where even low totals could produce thrilling results.

IPL 2020 – UAE Drama

The pandemic-affected IPL 2020 featured matches in the UAE, with high-scoring encounters and extraordinary performances.

Key Performances:

Rahul Tewatia’s miraculous innings against SRH created one of the season’s most talked-about moments.
SRH responded effectively with scientific bowling strategies in the return fixture.
Both teams won one match each, maintaining the competitive balance of the rivalry.

The UAE leg showcased modern T20 strategies, including aggressive powerplays and innovative field placements.

IPL 2021 – Pandemic Season Battles

IPL 2021 was split between India and UAE, and matches between SRH and RR were defined by leadership and explosive batting.

Highlights:

Kane Williamson’s captaincy brilliance guided SRH in tight situations.
Jos Buttler’s explosive starts kept RR competitive.
SRH edged out RR in crucial moments, reflecting their ability to perform under pressure.

Matches were tactically intricate, with both sides using their strengths strategically.

IPL 2022 – New Era for Both Teams

IPL 2022 marked a transition phase, with RR reaching the finals and SRH rebuilding their squad.

Key Notes:

Rajasthan Royals played consistently and showed high-pressure resilience.
SRH experimented with new talents and tactical variations.
The encounters were thrilling and closely fought.

This season highlighted the evolving dynamic between experience and fresh talent in SRH vs RR matches.

IPL 2023 – High-Scoring Encounters

IPL 2023 saw explosive batting performances, with massive six-hitting and record chases dominating matches.

Match Analysis:

SRH recorded one of their highest totals against RR.
RR responded with fearless chases, keeping matches alive until the last over.
Matches showcased modern T20 hitting, athletic fielding, and strategic powerplay usage.

Fans were treated to action-packed contests and exciting finishes.

IPL 2024 – Tactical Masterclass

IPL 2024 emphasized strategic brilliance, including the impact player rule and modern T20 tactics.

Key Moments:

SRH’s dominance in powerplay overs set the tone for many matches.
RR struggled in death overs, highlighting SRH’s tactical execution.
Innovative strategies and player rotations made matches unpredictable and entertaining.

The season reinforced why SRH vs RR remains a fan favorite.

Head-to-Head Record: SRH vs RR

Category	SRH	RR
Matches Played	18	18
Matches Won	10	8
Highest Score	217	220
Lowest Score	127	102
Biggest Win (Runs)	25 Runs	14 Runs

Venue-Wise Performance Table

Venue	Matches	SRH Wins	RR Wins
Hyderabad	6	4	2
Jaipur	5	2	3
UAE Venues	4	2	2
Neutral Venues	3	2	1

Top Run Scorers in SRH vs RR Matches

Player	Team	Runs
David Warner	SRH	450+
Jos Buttler	RR	430+
Sanju Samson	RR	390+
Kane Williamson	SRH	320+

Top Wicket Takers in SRH vs RR Timeline

Bowler	Team	Wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar	SRH	18
Rashid Khan	SRH	17
Yuzvendra Chahal	RR	15
Siddarth Kaul	SRH	13

Most Memorable Matches

Rahul Tewatia’s Five Sixes Match – A turning point for RR against SRH.
Low-Scoring Thriller (RR all out for 102) – SRH defended a modest total in classic fashion.
Warner’s Match-Winning Century – Demonstrated SRH’s batting depth.
Super Over–Like Finish Games – Nail-biting endings that thrilled fans.

Strength Comparison: SRH vs RR

Aspect	Advantage
Bowling Depth	Sunrisers Hyderabad
Explosive Batting	Rajasthan Royals
Fielding	Rajasthan Royals
Death Overs	Sunrisers Hyderabad
Spin Department	Rajasthan Royals

FAQs – Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline

Question	Answer
When did SRH vs RR rivalry start?	In IPL 2013, when Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the league.
Who has won more matches between SRH and RR?	Sunrisers Hyderabad currently lead the head-to-head record.
Which team has the highest score in SRH vs RR matches?	Rajasthan Royals, with a score of over 220 runs.
Who is the top run scorer in SRH vs RR timeline?	David Warner leads the chart.
Which bowler has taken most wickets in this rivalry?	Bhuvneshwar Kumar tops the wicket list.
Have SRH and RR played knockout matches?	Mostly league matches; no IPL final clash so far.
Which venue favors SRH the most?	Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad.
Which RR player dominates SRH bowling?	Jos Buttler has the best strike rate.
Are SRH vs RR matches usually high-scoring?	Recent seasons have seen high-scoring thrillers.
Which season had the closest finish?	IPL 2020 delivered nail-biting encounters.
Who won the most recent SRH vs RR match?	Depends on the latest IPL season fixture.
Which team performs better in powerplay overs?	Sunrisers Hyderabad historically dominate powerplays.
Which team has better spin attack?	Rajasthan Royals.
Is this rivalry one-sided?	No, it remains competitive and balanced.
Why is SRH vs RR timeline popular?	Because of close finishes, star players, and tactical battles.

Conclusion

The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline is a perfect representation of IPL’s competitive and thrilling spirit. SRH’s bowling discipline and strategic planning often clash beautifully against RR’s aggressive batting and unpredictability. Each season adds a new chapter to this rivalry, making it one of the most exciting matchups in IPL history. Fans and analysts alike continue to celebrate this contest for its high-scoring encounters, close finishes, emerging talents, and tactical masterclasses, making it a defining storyline of the league.

Category: Cricket