When two of the Indian Premier League’s most exciting teams face off, cricket fans know they’re in for a treat. The rivalry between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals has given us some unforgettable moments since 2013. Whether you’re searching for their complete match history, curious about who’s leading the head-to-head battle, or just want to relive the greatest encounters, you’re in the right place.
This detailed timeline covers every single match these two franchises have played against each other. From nail-biting finishes to record-breaking performances, we’ll walk through the entire journey of this fascinating IPL rivalry.
Let’s dive into the complete story of how these two teams have battled it out over the years.
Understanding the SRH vs RR Rivalry
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline begins in 2013, when SRH replaced the Deccan Chargers in the IPL. While Rajasthan Royals had already established themselves as IPL champions in 2008, this was a fresh start for the Hyderabad franchise.
What makes this rivalry interesting is how both teams have evolved. Rajasthan Royals built their reputation on finding hidden gems and backing young talent. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad became known for their disciplined bowling attack and smart game plans.
Over the years, these different philosophies have created some truly memorable cricket matches. The teams have met 21 times as of February 2026, with Sunrisers Hyderabad holding a slight advantage with 12 victories compared to Rajasthan Royals’ 9 wins.
How the Timeline Started: The First Encounter (2013)
Every great rivalry has a beginning, and the SRH vs RR story kicked off on April 17, 2013, at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur. This match set the tone for what would become a competitive head-to-head battle.
Rajasthan Royals batted first and posted 144/9 in their 20 overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target comfortably, winning by 6 wickets with 14 balls to spare. Dale Steyn’s impressive bowling figures of 2/14 in 4 overs showed why SRH would become famous for their bowling strength.
That first season, these teams met again in a crucial Eliminator playoff match on May 22, 2013, in Delhi. This time, Rajasthan Royals emerged victorious by 4 wickets, keeping their tournament hopes alive. The match showcased the fighting spirit both teams would display throughout their rivalry.
Year-by-Year Match Breakdown
2013 Season: Where It All Began
The inaugural season of this rivalry saw two matches. SRH won the league match, but RR got their revenge when it mattered most—in the playoffs. This pattern of unpredictability would continue for years.
James Faulkner’s all-round performance in the Eliminator became a talking point. He scored crucial runs and picked up important wickets, showing the kind of match-winning performances that define great rivalries.
2014: Competitive Balance
In 2014, both teams faced each other twice during the league stage. The matches were split evenly, with each team winning one game. This balance reflected how closely matched these franchises were.
SRH’s victory came at their home ground in Hyderabad, where their crowd support made a difference. RR’s win in Jaipur showed their home advantage was equally strong. The venue became an important factor in this rivalry.
2015: SRH Gains Momentum
The 2015 season saw Sunrisers Hyderabad start to gain an edge. They won both matches against the Rajasthan Royals, showcasing their improving team strength. David Warner’s aggressive batting and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s clever bowling became the backbone of SRH’s success.
One particular match saw SRH defend a modest total through brilliant death bowling. This defensive masterclass became a template for future victories.
2016: The Championship Year for SRH
This was a special year for Sunrisers Hyderabad as they went on to win the IPL trophy. Against Rajasthan Royals, they maintained their dominance with confident victories. Warner’s captaincy flourished, and the team looked like genuine contenders.
The matches in 2016 weren’t just about winning—they were about making a statement. SRH’s bowling attack, featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Rashid Khan (who joined later), was becoming legendary.
2017: Back-and-Forth Battle
The 2017 season brought more balanced competition. Each team won one match, reminding fans that no result was guaranteed in this rivalry. Close finishes became more common, with matches often decided in the final overs.
One match saw Sanju Samson play a breathtaking innings for RR, nearly chasing down a huge total. These individual brilliance moments added spice to the rivalry.
2018: Continuation of Even Contest
The pattern continued in 2018 with both teams splitting their encounters. What stood out this year was the high-scoring nature of matches. Batsmen from both sides enjoyed the conditions, leading to entertaining cricket.
Jos Buttler’s explosive batting for the Rajasthan Royals and Kane Williamson’s elegant strokeplay for the Sunrisers created fascinating battles within the larger contest.
2019-2021: Shifting Dynamics
These years saw the rivalry intensify. Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to edge ahead in most encounters, but Rajasthan Royals showed they could never be taken lightly. Young talents emerged on both sides.
The COVID-19 pandemic meant IPL 2020 was played in the UAE, giving neutral conditions. Even here, the competitive spirit between these teams remained fierce. Matches in empty stadiums still produced thrilling cricket.
2022: High-Scoring Affairs
The 2022 season introduced new rules, and bigger boundaries were replaced with more batting-friendly conditions at some venues. When SRH and RR met, runs flowed freely. Both teams had destructive batters who could change games in a few overs.
Jos Buttler’s form for RR was exceptional throughout the season, and when he fired against SRH, it made for spectacular viewing. Meanwhile, SRH’s new aggressive approach under different leadership created exciting contests.
2023: Tactical Battles
In 2023, the matches became more tactical. Captains used their bowlers cleverly, field placements became crucial, and the team that adapted better to match situations usually won. Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/17 in one match showed how spinners could dominate despite the batting-friendly era.
These weren’t just about power hitting anymore—smart cricket was making a comeback.
2024: SRH’s Resurgence
The 2024 season marked a significant chapter in this timeline. Sunrisers Hyderabad reached the IPL final, and their journey included important victories over Rajasthan Royals. One league match saw them win by just 1 run in a heart-stopping finish.
The Qualifier 2 playoff encounter was even more significant. SRH defeated RR by 36 runs to book their place in the final. This victory highlighted SRH’s ability to perform under pressure against quality opposition.
2025: The Record-Breaking Encounter
The most recent chapter in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline came on March 23, 2025. This match will be remembered for years as one of the highest-scoring encounters in IPL history.
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 286/6, the second-highest total ever in the IPL. Ishan Kishan, playing his debut match for SRH after the mega auction, smashed 106 runs off just 47 balls. His innings included breathtaking sixes and boundaries that left the crowd stunned.
Despite a valiant effort from the Rajasthan Royals, they were restricted to 242, losing by 44 runs. The match showed how T20 cricket has evolved into a batsman-dominated format, yet also proved that 286 is nearly impossible to chase.
Head-to-Head Statistics: The Numbers That Matter
Looking at the overall Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline, the statistics tell an interesting story. As of February 2026, here’s how the numbers stack up:
Total Matches Played: 21
Sunrisers Hyderabad Wins: 12
Rajasthan Royals Wins: 9
Win Percentage (SRH): 57.14%
Win Percentage (RR): 42.86%
These numbers show that while SRH has a clear edge, RR has won enough matches to keep the rivalry competitive. Nearly 43% of matches going to RR means every encounter is genuinely unpredictable.
Venue-Wise Performance
The venue plays a crucial role in determining outcomes. Let’s break down how both teams perform in different locations:
- At Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium): Sunrisers Hyderabad has won 7 out of 10 matches played at their home ground. The crowd support and familiarity with conditions give them a significant advantage. Their bowling attack particularly thrives on the slightly slower Hyderabad pitch.
- At Jaipur (Sawai Mansingh Stadium): Rajasthan Royals have won 6 out of 9 matches at home. The Jaipur pitch typically offers more bounce and helps their style of play. Their batsmen know exactly how to pace their innings here.
- At Neutral Venues: When matches were played at neutral venues (during COVID-19 in the UAE or at alternate IPL venues), the results were evenly split. This shows both teams are capable of adapting to different conditions.
Toss Impact
Interestingly, winning the toss hasn’t been a decisive factor in this rivalry. Teams batting first have won 10 matches, while teams chasing have won 11. This balanced statistic suggests both teams are equally comfortable setting targets or chasing them.
However, in recent years (2022 onwards), teams batting first have struggled slightly more. The dew factor in evening matches and the improving skills of chasing teams have made batting second more attractive.
Top Performers in SRH vs RR Matches
Individual performances often decide tight matches. Let’s look at the players who’ve made the biggest impact in this rivalry.
Leading Run-Scorers
For Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson leads the scoring charts for RR in matches against SRH. His elegant stroke play and ability to accelerate in the middle overs have been crucial. Samson has scored 791 runs against Sunrisers across multiple seasons, maintaining an impressive average above 45.
Jos Buttler, during his time with RR, also played several match-winning innings. His quick-fire starts gave RR the platform to post big totals or chase down challenging targets.
For Sunrisers Hyderabad: David Warner was the backbone of SRH’s batting against RR for many years. His aggressive yet calculated approach set up many victories. Warner’s understanding of different match situations made him particularly dangerous.
Kane Williamson provided stability and class during his tenure. While Warner attacked, Williamson anchored, creating the perfect combination. More recently, Ishan Kishan’s explosive century in 2025 announced his arrival spectacularly.
Leading Wicket-Takers
For Sunrisers Hyderabad, Bhuvneshwar Kumar stands out as the most successful bowler for SRH against RR. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl accurate yorkers at the death has earned him 18 wickets in this fixture. Bhuvneshwar’s economy rate is also impressive, showing he doesn’t just take wickets but controls the run flow.
Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spinner, has bamboozled RR batsmen multiple times. His wrong’uns and variations in pace make him nearly unplayable on his day.
For Rajasthan Royals: Yuzvendra Chahal has been RR’s go-to spinner against SRH. His leg-spin has troubled even the best batsmen. The memorable 4/17 performance in 2023 showcased his ability to change matches single-handedly.
The variety in RR’s bowling attack—combining pace, spin, and all-rounders—has been key to their victories.
Most Memorable Matches
Some matches transcend normal cricket and become part of IPL folklore. Here are the top five encounters in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline:
1. IPL 2013 Eliminator: RR Won by 4 Wickets
This playoff match had everything—pressure, brilliant batting, crucial wickets, and a tight finish. Rajasthan Royals chased down 133 with just 3 balls to spare. James Faulkner’s nerveless performance under pressure set the tone for his IPL career.
For SRH, losing their first-ever playoff match was heartbreaking but taught them valuable lessons about handling pressure situations.
2. IPL 2024 League Match: SRH Won by 1 Run
Imagine defending just 152 runs in modern T20 cricket—that’s exactly what happened. Rajasthan Royals needed just 2 runs off the last ball but could only manage a single. The crowd went wild as SRH celebrated one of the most improbable victories.
This match proved that no total is too small to defend if your bowlers execute their plans perfectly. The death bowling masterclass from SRH became a case study for cricket academies.
3. IPL 2025: SRH’s 286/6 Run Fest
The highest-scoring match in this rivalry belongs to 2025. Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking century on debut, combined with powerful hitting from other batsmen, took SRH to 286. The match showed how T20 cricket has evolved into a power-hitting spectacle.
Even though RR scored 242 in response (which would win most matches), they fell short by 44 runs. This game will be replayed for generations as an example of modern batting dominance.
4. IPL 2024 Qualifier 2: SRH Won by 36 Runs
High-stakes playoff cricket brought out the best in Sunrisers Hyderabad. Defending a challenging total, they bowled with discipline and held their nerve. This victory sent them to the IPL final, making it one of the most important wins in their rivalry with RR.
The pressure of a knockout match made every run and wicket count. SRH’s experience showed as they executed their plans flawlessly.
5. IPL 2022: RR’s Chase Masterclass
Jos Buttler was in ridiculous form throughout IPL 2022, and when RR faced SRH, he unleashed his full arsenal. Chasing 175, Buttler scored 89 off 56 balls, taking the game away from SRH almost single-handedly.
This match reminded everyone why Buttler is considered one of the most dangerous T20 batsmen in the world. His ability to find boundaries even when fielders were perfectly placed was extraordinary.
How Playing Styles Differ
Understanding why matches between these teams are so exciting requires looking at their different approaches to cricket.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Philosophy
SRH has traditionally built its success on bowling. They believe in restricting opposition to below-par totals and then chasing comfortably. Their strategy involves:
- Strong Bowling Attack: Whether it’s pace or spin, SRH invests heavily in quality bowlers. Names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, and T Natarajan have formed the backbone of their success.
- Calculated Batting: Rather than reckless hitting, SRH batsmen prefer calculated risks. They build partnerships and accelerate when the situation demands.
- Fielding Excellence: Sharp fielding and smart field placements complement their bowling strength. Saving runs in the field often makes the difference in close matches.
However, in recent seasons (especially 2024-25), SRH has adopted a more aggressive batting approach. The IPL 2025 mega auction allowed them to build a power-hitting lineup, as evidenced by their 286-run total.
Rajasthan Royals’ Approach
RR has always been known for innovation and backing young talent. Their philosophy includes:
- Fearless Batting: RR encourages their batsmen to play attacking cricket from ball one. This approach sometimes backfires, but when it works, they post massive totals.
- Spin Reliance: Rajasthan has produced some of IPL’s best spinners. Using spin in the middle overs to control the game is a hallmark of their strategy.
- Flexible Strategy: RR adapts its approach based on opposition. Against strong bowling sides like SRH, they might play more cautiously initially before launching in the death overs.
- Youth Development: RR has consistently given chances to uncapped Indian players, with many going on to represent India nationally.
These contrasting styles create fascinating tactical battles when these teams meet.
Impact of Mega Auctions
The IPL mega auctions significantly affect team dynamics and, by extension, rivalries. The 2022 and 2025 mega auctions reshaped both franchises completely.
2022 Mega Auction Changes
Rajasthan Royals assembled an exciting team with Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, and Yuzvendra Chahal as key players. This new-look RR reached the finals, showing their auction strategy worked.
Sunrisers Hyderabad went through a rebuilding phase. They focused on developing young Indian talent while retaining key overseas players. The transition took time, but eventually paid off.
2025 Mega Auction Impact
The 2025 auction was massive for both teams. SRH made headlines by acquiring Ishan Kishan for a huge sum. This investment immediately paid dividends with his century against RR.
Rajasthan Royals restructured their squad as well, balancing experience with youth. Both teams entered IPL 2026 with refreshed lineups, promising new chapters in their rivalry.
These auctions show how franchises must constantly evolve to stay competitive. The players might change, but the rivalry’s intensity remains constant.
Recent Form and Future Outlook
As we stand in February 2026, both teams are preparing for the upcoming IPL season with renewed hope and different challenges.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Current State
Coming off an IPL 2024 final appearance (though they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders), SRH has momentum. Their aggressive batting approach in 2025 showed they’re not afraid to take risks. With players like Ishan Kishan finding form, they look dangerous.
Their bowling, while still important, has become more about containing rather than restricting. This shift in philosophy reflects modern T20 trends where 180+ scores are common.
Rajasthan Royals’ Position
RR remains a competitive force despite not winning titles recently. Their ability to find and nurture talent keeps them relevant. Sanju Samson’s captaincy has matured, and he’s becoming one of IPL’s most respected leaders.
The challenge for RR is converting good performances into trophies. They’ve come close several times but fallen short in crucial moments. Breaking this pattern would make their rivalry with SRH even more interesting.
What to Expect in IPL 2026
The upcoming season promises exciting contests between these teams. Both have strengthened their squads through the auction. The matches will likely be high-scoring affairs given the current trend toward aggressive batting.
Key factors to watch include how new players integrate into team strategies, whether SRH can maintain their aggressive approach, and if RR’s young talents step up in big moments.
Why This Rivalry Matters to IPL
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline represents more than just cricket matches—it’s about two different cricket philosophies competing at the highest level.
For neutral fans, these matches guarantee entertainment. The unpredictability means you can never switch off the TV, assuming the result is decided. Close finishes and individual brilliance happen regularly.
For SRH fans, maintaining dominance over RR validates their team-building approach. Each victory reinforces that their balanced strategy works.
For RR supporters, every win against SRH proves that their fearless approach and youth development model can compete with established powerhouses.
The rivalry also provides context for comparing different eras of T20 cricket. Matches from 2013 were more tactical and low-scoring. Today’s encounters are run-fests featuring innovative shots and aggressive field placements.
Lessons from This Rivalry
Cricket fans and aspiring players can learn valuable lessons from studying this timeline:
- Consistency Matters: SRH’s ability to maintain a winning record shows that consistent team building pays off over time.
- Individual Brilliance Can Change Games: Players like Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson, and Jos Buttler have shown that one special innings can turn matches around.
- Bowling Still Wins Matches: Despite the batting dominance in recent years, matches like the 1-run thriller prove that good bowling under pressure remains priceless.
- Adaptability Is Crucial: Both teams have evolved their strategies over the years. Those who refuse to adapt get left behind in modern cricket.
- Home Advantage Is Real: The venue statistics clearly show that playing at home provides tangible benefits in terms of familiarity and crowd support.
Final Thoughts
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline is a testament to the IPL’s competitive nature. From their first meeting in 2013 to the run-fest in 2025, this rivalry has grown and evolved beautifully.
While SRH currently leads the head-to-head record 12-9, the closeness of this margin keeps things interesting. Every new match adds another chapter to this ongoing story.
As both franchises prepare for future battles, fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters. Whether it’s last-ball finishes, record-breaking innings, or tactical masterclasses, this rivalry has proven it can deliver everything cricket fans love.
The beauty of this timeline lies not just in statistics but in the stories behind those numbers—the pressure moments, the breakthrough performances, and the sheer unpredictability of cricket.
If you’re a cricket enthusiast, keeping track of this rivalry will give you front-row seats to some of the IPL’s most exciting cricket. And if you’re new to the IPL, there’s no better place to start than following these two fascinating teams as they write new chapters in their shared history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who has won more matches between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals?
Sunrisers Hyderabad leads the head-to-head record with 12 wins compared to Rajasthan Royals’ 9 wins in the 21 matches they’ve played from 2013 to 2025. This gives SRH a win percentage of approximately 57%, showing they have a slight edge in this rivalry. However, the margin isn’t overwhelming, which keeps every match competitive and unpredictable. Both teams have won crucial matches, including playoff encounters, making this one of IPL’s more balanced rivalries.
2. What is the highest score in SRH vs RR matches?
The highest team score in this rivalry is 286/6, posted by Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 23, 2025. This innings featured a spectacular century from Ishan Kishan, who scored 106 runs off just 47 balls in his debut match for SRH. This total is also the second-highest in IPL history overall. Rajasthan Royals responded with 242 runs, which itself would be a winning total in most matches, but fell short by 44 runs. This match showcased how T20 cricket has evolved into an increasingly batting-friendly format.
3. Which venue favors which team in SRH vs RR encounters?
Sunrisers Hyderabad has a strong home advantage at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, winning 7 out of 10 matches played there. The conditions and pitch characteristics suit their bowling-focused strategy. Similarly, the Rajasthan Royals perform better at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, winning 6 out of 9 home matches. The slightly bouncier pitch in Jaipur helps their style of play. At neutral venues, the record is more evenly balanced, showing both teams can adapt to different conditions when necessary.
4. Who are the top run-scorers in this rivalry?
For the Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson leads the scoring charts against SRH with 791 runs accumulated over multiple seasons while maintaining an impressive average above 45. His elegant batting and ability to pace innings have been crucial for RR. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, David Warner was historically the top scorer during his captaincy years, providing consistent starts and match-winning innings. Recently, Ishan Kishan made an immediate impact with his 106-run knock in 2025. Other notable contributors include Jos Buttler for RR and Kane Williamson for SRH.
5. When is the next SRH vs RR match scheduled?
The next Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals match will be scheduled as part of IPL 2026, which typically runs from late March through May. The exact date depends on the official IPL schedule release by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), which usually happens a few weeks before the tournament begins. Given that both teams play each other at least twice in the league stage, fans can expect the first encounter sometime in early to mid-April 2026. Check the official IPL website or both teams’ social media channels for confirmed match dates and venues once the schedule is announced.
6. What makes the SRH vs RR rivalry special compared to other IPL matchups?
What makes the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals rivalry unique is the contrast in their team philosophies. SRH has traditionally relied on disciplined bowling and calculated batting, while RR embraces fearless, attacking cricket and youth development. This clash of styles creates unpredictable and exciting matches. Additionally, both teams have proven they can win from seemingly impossible positions, leading to thrilling finishes. The rivalry has also featured some of IPL’s most memorable individual performances, from Ishan Kishan’s explosive century to last-ball finishes. Unlike some one-sided IPL rivalries, the relatively balanced head-to-head record (12-9) means every encounter is genuinely competitive.
7. How have mega auctions affected this rivalry?
The IPL mega auctions in 2022 and 2025 completely reshaped both franchises, bringing fresh dynamics to their rivalry. The 2022 auction saw Rajasthan Royals build an exciting team around Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson, while SRH went through a rebuilding phase focusing on young Indian talent. The 2025 mega auction was even more transformative, with SRH acquiring Ishan Kishan, who immediately made an impact with a century. These auctions show that while players may change, the competitive spirit between franchises remains constant. Each auction cycle brings new matchups—different bowlers vs batsmen, new captaincy styles, and fresh tactical approaches—keeping the rivalry exciting and unpredictable for fans.