Introduction: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline
The clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most exciting, high‑scoring, and unpredictable rivalries in T20 cricket. Both teams have produced memorable moments — from thrilling victories and record‑breaking batting displays to finals encounters and dramatic finishes. This article gives you a comprehensive timeline of this rivalry from its inception to latest meetings, accompanied by in‑depth analysis, stats, key players, records, and more.
Table of Contents
The Rivalry & Its Significance
The IPL is known for producing iconic matchups, and SRH vs RCB is no exception. Since both teams joined the IPL (SRH starting in 2013 taking over from Deccan Chargers, and RCB since the inaugural 2008 season), their head‑to-head contests have delivered big scores, clutch performances, and standout individual efforts.
As of 2025, Sunrisers Hyderabad lead the head‑to-head overall, underlining the competitive balance between the franchises since their first meeting.
This article details every encounter between SRH and RCB — year by year — and illustrates those battles through a structured timeline table.
Head‑to‑Head Summary
Before we dive into the timeline, here’s a quick snapshot of the head‑to-head record between the two sides in the IPL as of IPL 2025:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 26 |
| SRH Wins | 14 |
| RCB Wins | 11 |
| No Result/Tied | 1 |
| Highest Total by SRH | 231 |
| Highest Total by RCB | 227 |
| Most Runs (SRH) | David Warner (700+) |
| Most Runs (RCB) | Virat Kohli (900+) |
Timeline of SRH vs RCB Matches (2013–2025)
Below is the complete encounter timeline between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL matches from 2013 through 2025. This table includes date, venue, result, margin, and notable performances wherever available.
SRH vs RCB Timeline Table (2013–2025)
| Year | Date | Venue | Winner | Margin | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | Apr 6 | Hyderabad | SRH | Won Super Over | First meeting — tight finish |
| 2013 | Apr 8 | Bangalore | RCB | 7 wickets | Kohli led chase well |
| 2014 | May 19 | Hyderabad | SRH | 7 wickets | Comfortable chase |
| 2015 | Apr 12 | Bangalore | SRH | 8 wickets | Dominant win |
| 2015 | May 14 | Hyderabad | RCB | 6 wickets | RCB chase |
| 2016 | Apr 11 | Bangalore | RCB | 45 runs | RCB put up big total |
| 2016 | Apr 29 | Hyderabad | SRH | 15 runs | SRH bounce back |
| 2016 (Final) | May 29 | Bangalore | SRH | 8 runs | SRH won IPL Final 2016 |
| 2017 | Apr 5 | Hyderabad | SRH | 35 runs | SRH strong bowling |
| 2017 | Apr 25 | Bangalore | RCB | 7 wickets | RCB chase |
| 2018 | May 7 | Hyderabad | SRH | 5 runs | Close contest |
| 2018 | May 17 | Bangalore | RCB | 14 runs | RCB defense |
| 2019 | Mar 31 | Hyderabad | SRH | 118 runs | Huge win for SRH |
| 2019 | May 4 | Bangalore | RCB | 4 wickets | RCB chase |
| 2020 | Sep 21 | Dubai | RCB | 10 runs | Neutral venue clash |
| 2020 | Oct 31 | Sharjah | SRH | 5 wickets | Close chase |
| 2020 | Oct 6† | Abu Dhabi | SRH | 6 wickets | SRH chase victory |
| 2021 | Apr 14 | Chennai | RCB | 6 runs | Tight game |
| 2021 | Apr 23 | Mumbai | SRH | 9 wickets | SRH chase |
| 2022 | May 8 | Mumbai | RCB | 67 runs | Dominant RCB performance |
| 2022 | May 12 | Pune | SRH | 9 wickets | SRH chase |
| 2023 | May 18 | Hyderabad | RCB | 8 wickets | Kohli century |
| 2024 | Apr 15 | Bangalore | SRH | 25 runs | SRH big total |
| 2024 | Apr 25 | Hyderabad | RCB | 35 runs | RCB chase |
| 2025 | May 23 | Lucknow | SRH | 42 runs | SRH posted 231 total |
Key Moments in the SRH vs RCB Rivalry
The 2016 IPL Final
One of the most iconic matches between these two teams was the 2016 IPL Final. SRH chased a monumental total and clinched the championship by beating RCB by 8 runs at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. Ben Cutting earned Player of the Match honors for his all‑round impact.
Record‑Setting High Scores
In the IPL 2025 encounter held on May 23, 2025 in Lucknow, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive total of 231/6, showcasing explosive batting led by Ishan Kishan’s powerful knock. They then restricted RCB to 189, winning by 42 runs — one of the season’s standout matches.
This match also contributed to IPL’s historic tally of 200+ scores in a single season.
Consistent Stars
Across decades of rivalry:
- Virat Kohli has been one of RCB’s most consistent performers, including a century in the 2023 encounter.
- David Warner and Ishan Kishan have been integral to SRH’s batting firepower in key games.
Statistical Trends & Insights
Head‑to‑Head Balance
- SRH leads the rivalry overall, showing their adaptability in both batting and bowling conditions.
Scoring Profiles
- Both teams have frequently breached 200+ totals — making their encounters among the most high‑scoring in IPL history.
Home vs Away Influence
- RCB tends to perform well at home in Bengaluru, but SRH’s dominant performances in Hyderabad reflect their strong chase and bowling unit at home.
Memorable Individual Performances
| Player | Team | Performance | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | RCB | 100* | 2023 in Hyderabad |
| Ishan Kishan | SRH | 94 | 2025 in Lucknow |
| David Warner | SRH | 100+ | Multiple editions |
| Jonny Bairstow | RCB | 114 | In rivalry |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | SRH | 18 career wickets | Head‑to‑Head Leader |
How the 2025 Match Unfolded (Detailed Breakdown)
The May 23, 2025 battle in Lucknow, arguably one of the best matches in the 2025 IPL, had the following highlights:
- SRH Innings: Posted a massive 231/6 — with key contributions from Ishan Kishan (94), Abhishek Sharma (34), and Heinrich Klaasen.
- RCB Response: RCB could only manage 189 all‑out in 19.5 overs.
- Result: SRH comfortable 42‑run victory, impacting RCB’s standings and playoff hopes.
What This Rivalry Means for IPL Fans
The SRH vs RCB rivalry represents:
- Big hitting and high scores
- Captivating chases
- Dynamic bowling battles
- Emerging talents making their mark
As one of the consistently entertaining fixtures in the IPL schedule, fans always look forward to these matchups for their unpredictability and sheer entertainment value.
Conclusion
From the thrilling 2016 Final to the record‑laden 2025 encounter in Lucknow, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru rivalry captures the essence of Twenty20 cricket: big performances, intense competition, and unforgettable moments. While SRH lead the overall head‑to‑head record, RCB’s firepower and star lineup ensure that every encounter remains unpredictable.
Whether you’re a die‑hard supporter or a casual fan of the IPL, this timeline shows that SRH vs RCB clashes are always worth watching — full of drama, skill, and cricketing passion that defines the league itself.