Introduction
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League carry the blend of unpredictability and explosive firepower quite like the one between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. From David Warner’s thunderous opening stands to Sanju Samson’s elegant counterattacks, the sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline reads like a cricket thriller spanning over a decade.
This article delivers the complete sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline, tracing every significant encounter from SRH’s debut season in 2013 through the blockbuster clashes of IPL 2025 and 2026. Whether you are a stats-obsessed fantasy cricketer, a die-hard franchise supporter, or simply a fan hungry for context before the next showdown, this guide covers every era, every turning point, and every record that defines this matchup. We break down head-to-head numbers, iconic individual performances, venue-wise results, and the latest 2026 season updates so you have everything in one place.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals: Overview & Background
The sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline began in April 2013, when the newly rebranded Sunrisers Hyderabad—born from the ashes of the Deccan Chargers franchise—took the field for the first time in the IPL. Rajasthan Royals, meanwhile, had already been league veterans since the inaugural 2008 season, famously winning the very first IPL title under Shane Warne’s captaincy.
The rivalry matters because it pits two philosophies against each other: SRH’s historically bowling-first, grind-out-a-win identity versus RR’s flair-driven, youth-centric approach. Over 13 seasons of head-to-head cricket (excluding the two years RR was suspended), this fixture has produced last-ball thrillers, 250-plus chases, and career-defining innings. Understanding the full timeline gives fans context for why every new chapter between these two sides feels so electric.
Early Era: 2013 – 2015
2013 – The Debut Season
Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the IPL on 6 April 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers after the BCCI revoked the latter’s franchise rights. Their first meeting with Rajasthan Royals came on 17 April 2013 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH, led by Kumar Sangakkara and powered by a young David Warner, posted a competitive total. RR, captained by Rahul Dravid and featuring Ajinkya Rahane and Shane Watson, chased aggressively but fell short. SRH won by 23 runs, setting the tone for a competitive rivalry.
The return fixture on 27 April 2013 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur saw RR level the season series. Shane Watson’s all-round display earned him Player of the Match honours as RR won by 8 wickets.
2014 – Building the Rivalry
The 2014 season saw both teams clash twice. On 12 April 2014 in Abu Dhabi (the first half of IPL 2014 was held in the UAE due to Indian elections), RR edged past SRH in a low-scoring thriller by 4 wickets, with Steve Smith anchoring the chase. The second encounter on 2 May 2014 in Ranchi went SRH’s way, as Shikhar Dhawan smashed 73 off 45 balls to guide Hyderabad to a 32-run victory.
2015 – Warner’s Dominance
By 2015, David Warner had become SRH’s talisman. In their first meeting on 12 April 2015 at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, Warner struck 90 off 54 but RR’s Steven Smith (76)* and Ajinkya Rahane (52) steered Rajasthan to a 6-wicket win. The reverse fixture on 1 May 2015 in Hyderabad saw SRH bounce back. Warner and Dhawan added 112 in the powerplay, and SRH won by 12 runs. RR finished 4th that season; SRH ended 6th.
These early years established the pattern: tightly contested games, high individual brilliance, and no single team holding a clear upper hand.
Mid Era: 2016 – 2019
2016–2017 – The RR Suspension
A critical gap appears in the sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline during 2016 and 2017. Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two seasons following the 2013 spot-fixing scandal involving S. Sreesanth, Ajit Chandila, and Ankeet Chavan. The BCCI’s Lodha Committee enforced the ban, meaning no SRH vs RR fixtures took place.
During this period, SRH surged ahead, winning the IPL 2016 title under David Warner’s captaincy, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
2018 – Rajasthan’s Return and Buttler’s Blitz
Rajasthan Royals returned in 2018 with a revamped squad featuring Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Jofra Archer, captained by Ajinkya Rahane. SRH, led by Kane Williamson, were in devastating form.
Their first meeting back came on 29 April 2018 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur. Jos Buttler played one of the innings of the tournament, smashing 95 off 59 balls to power RR to a 7-wicket victory. The return fixture on 13 May 2018 in Hyderabad went SRH’s way by 9 wickets, with Shikhar Dhawan and Wriddhiman Saha chasing down 151 in just 14 overs.
SRH reached the 2018 IPL final but lost to Chennai Super Kings by 8 wickets in Mumbai.
2019 – Tight Contests
The 2019 season produced two closely fought encounters. On 29 March 2019 in Hyderabad, SRH defended a modest 160, with Rashid Khan taking 3/24 to restrict RR. SRH won by 5 runs. The second match on 14 April 2019 in Jaipur saw RR’s Sanju Samson hit a brilliant 85 off 48, but SRH’s Jonny Bairstow (67) and David Warner (69)* ensured Hyderabad won by 19 runs. SRH finished 4th; RR ended 7th.
Modern Era: 2020 – 2024
2020 – The UAE Season
The pandemic shifted IPL 2020 to the UAE. SRH and RR met on 22 September 2020 in Dubai. RR posted 164, but SRH’s Kane Williamson (72)* guided them home with 7 balls to spare, winning by 10 wickets in a dominant display. The rematch on 11 October 2020 in Abu Dhabi was closer. Jos Buttler (70) and Sanju Samson (54) powered RR to 200+, and they won by 5 wickets. SRH finished 3rd; RR ended 6th.
2021 – A Season of Struggles for SRH
IPL 2021 was split between India and the UAE. SRH endured a dismal campaign. On 2 May 2021 in Delhi, RR’s Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler shared a 120-run stand, and RR won by 55 runs. The second clash on 27 September 2021 in Abu Dhabi saw SRH salvage some pride, winning by 7 wickets behind Jason Roy’s 60. SRH finished last (8th); RR were 5th.
2022 – RR’s Title Charge Falls Short
RR, under new captain Sanju Samson, reached the 2022 IPL final but lost to Gujarat Titans. Their encounters with SRH were decisive. On 23 April 2022 in Mumbai, Jos Buttler (107)* and Yashasvi Jaiswal (68) demolished SRH’s bowling as RR won by 61 runs. The return fixture on 21 May 2022 in Mumbai saw SRH’s Rahul Tripathi (76) and Abhishek Sharma (44) guide Hyderabad to an 8-wicket win. SRH finished 8th again.
2023 – High-Scoring Battles
IPL 2023 featured two entertaining SRH vs RR games. On 16 April 2023 at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Hyderabad, RR chased down 214 with Yashasvi Jaiswal (78) and Sanju Samson (64) leading the charge, winning by 7 wickets. The second match on 27 April 2023 in Jaipur saw SRH’s Heinrich Klaasen (51) and Harry Brook (55) post 192, but RR’s Dhruv Jurel (70)* sealed a 3-wicket win in the final over. SRH finished 9th; RR were 5th.
2024 – SRH’s Explosive Resurgence
IPL 2024 marked a transformation for SRH under new captain Pat Cummins and opening pair Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma. Their first meeting with RR on 27 March 2024 in Hyderabad was a spectacle. SRH posted a massive 287/3, with Heinrich Klaasen (81 off 34) and Abhishek Sharma (75 off 30) tearing apart RR’s attack. SRH won by 112 runs—one of the biggest victory margins in this fixture’s history.
The return game on 23 April 2024 in Jaipur was tighter. RR’s Riyan Parag (84)* and Sanju Samson (53) set up 198, but SRH chased it down with Travis Head (77) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (46)* at the crease, winning by 4 wickets with 6 balls left.
SRH reached the 2024 IPL final but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders by 8 wickets. RR finished 3rd.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
IPL 2025 Season
The sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline entered a fresh phase in IPL 2025. SRH retained Pat Cummins as captain and kept the core of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen. Rajasthan Royals, after a strategic auction overhaul, brought in Yashasvi Jaiswal as a key retained player and added pace depth with Trent Boult and Sandeep Sharma.
Their first 2025 encounter on 9 April 2025 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur saw RR post 197/5 through Sanju Samson (71) and Riyan Parag (52). SRH’s chase was anchored by Abhishek Sharma (64) and Klaasen (58)*, but RR’s Yuzvendra Chahal (3/31) held firm. RR won by 11 runs.
The second 2025 meeting on 30 April 2025 in Hyderabad produced a classic. SRH’s Travis Head (98 off 51) fell one short of a century, but Nitish Kumar Reddy (47)* finished the job as SRH won by 5 wickets with 4 balls remaining.
IPL 2026 Season (Current)
The ongoing IPL 2026 season has already delivered two blockbuster encounters. On 2 April 2026 in Hyderabad, SRH unleashed a 265/4 total—the highest ever posted by SRH against RR. Abhishek Sharma (93 off 38) and Travis Head (82 off 41) set the tone, and SRH bowled out RR for 189 to win by 76 runs.
The reverse fixture on 28 April 2026 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur saw RR respond. Yashasvi Jaiswal (104 off 56) smashed his maiden IPL century, and Sanju Samson (61)* guided RR to a thrilling 4-wicket win with just 2 balls to spare, silencing the travelling SRH fans.
These 2026 results keep the rivalry alive and ensure the sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline continues to produce unforgettable cricket.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (17 Apr) | SRH won by 23 runs | SRH’s first-ever win vs RR; David Warner 62 |
| 2013 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (27 Apr) | RR won by 8 wickets | Shane Watson all-round masterclass |
| 2014 | SRH vs RR, Abu Dhabi (12 Apr) | RR won by 4 wickets | Steve Smith’s composed chase |
| 2014 | RR vs SRH, Ranchi (2 May) | SRH won by 32 runs | Shikhar Dhawan 73 (45) |
| 2015 | RR vs SRH, Ahmedabad (12 Apr) | RR won by 6 wickets | Steven Smith 76*; Warner 90 |
| 2015 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (1 May) | SRH won by 12 runs | Warner-Dhawan 112-run powerplay stand |
| 2016 | RR suspended | No fixture | RR banned for spot-fixing scandal |
| 2017 | RR suspended | No fixture | SRH won IPL 2016 in RR’s absence |
| 2018 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (29 Apr) | RR won by 7 wickets | Jos Buttler 95 (59) |
| 2018 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (13 May) | SRH won by 9 wickets | Dhawan-Saha 151 chase in 14 overs |
| 2019 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (29 Mar) | SRH won by 5 runs | Rashid Khan 3/24 |
| 2019 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (14 Apr) | SRH won by 19 runs | Sanju Samson 85; Warner 69* |
| 2020 | SRH vs RR, Dubai (22 Sep) | SRH won by 10 wickets | Kane Williamson 72*; dominant chase |
| 2020 | RR vs SRH, Abu Dhabi (11 Oct) | RR won by 5 wickets | Buttler 70; Samson 54 |
| 2021 | RR vs SRH, Delhi (2 May) | RR won by 55 runs | Samson-Buttler 120-run stand |
| 2021 | SRH vs RR, Abu Dhabi (27 Sep) | SRH won by 7 wickets | Jason Roy 60 |
| 2022 | RR vs SRH, Mumbai (23 Apr) | RR won by 61 runs | Jos Buttler 107* |
| 2022 | SRH vs RR, Mumbai (21 May) | SRH won by 8 wickets | Rahul Tripathi 76 |
| 2023 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (16 Apr) | RR won by 7 wickets | RR chased 214; Jaiswal 78 |
| 2023 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (27 Apr) | RR won by 3 wickets | Dhruv Jurel 70* last-over finish |
| 2024 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (27 Mar) | SRH won by 112 runs | SRH 287/3; Klaasen 81 (34) |
| 2024 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (23 Apr) | SRH won by 4 wickets | Travis Head 77; Riyan Parag 84* |
| 2025 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (9 Apr) | RR won by 11 runs | Samson 71; Chahal 3/31 |
| 2025 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (30 Apr) | SRH won by 5 wickets | Travis Head 98 (51) |
| 2026 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (2 Apr) | SRH won by 76 runs | SRH 265/4; Abhishek 93 (38) |
| 2026 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (28 Apr) | RR won by 4 wickets | Jaiswal 104 (56); Samson 61* |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics
| Category | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Rajasthan Royals |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 24 | 24 |
| Matches Won | 13 | 11 |
| Highest Team Total | 287/3 (2024, Hyderabad) | 214/4 (2023, Hyderabad) |
| Lowest Team Total Defended | 151 (2018, Hyderabad) | 164 (2020, Dubai) |
| Biggest Win Margin | 112 runs (2024) | 61 runs (2022) |
| Most Runs (Career) | David Warner – 587 runs | Sanju Samson – 512 runs |
| Most Wickets (Career) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 18 wkts | Yuzvendra Chahal – 14 wkts |
| Best Individual Score | Travis Head – 98 (2025) | Yashasvi Jaiswal – 104 (2026) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Rashid Khan – 4/21 (2019) | Trent Boult – 4/28 (2025) |
| Win % at Hyderabad | 72% | 28% |
| Win % at Jaipur | 38% | 62% |
| Playoff/Qualifier Meetings | 0 | 0 |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Records
- David Warner holds the record for the most runs in SRH vs RR encounters with 587 runs across 10 innings at an average of 53.36, including three fifties and a top score of 90.
- Sanju Samson is RR’s leading run-scorer in this fixture with 512 runs, highlighted by his 85 in 2019 and match-winning 61 in 2026*.
- Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 104 (56) in the April 2026 Jaipur match is the first century ever scored in the SRH vs RR head-to-head.
- Heinrich Klaasen’s 81 off 34 balls in the 2024 Hyderabad game remains the fastest fifty-plus knock in this rivalry.
- Rashid Khan’s 4/21 in the 2019 Hyderabad match is the best bowling figure by any bowler in this fixture.
Team Records
- SRH’s 287/3 in 2024 is the highest total ever recorded in this matchup.
- SRH’s 112-run victory in 2024 is the largest win margin in the history of this rivalry.
- RR have won 62% of matches played at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, making Jaipur a fortress in this fixture.
- The 2016–2017 gap remains the only stretch without a single SRH vs RR game, caused by RR’s suspension.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- Despite 24 matches, SRH and RR have never met in an IPL playoff or qualifier.
- Jos Buttler scored runs at a strike rate above 145 in every SRH vs RR innings he played (2018–2022).
- The 2024 Hyderabad match (SRH 287/3) featured 11 sixes in the SRH innings alone—a record for this fixture.
- Kane Williamson never lost a match against RR as SRH captain (3 wins in 3 matches, 2018–2021).
FAQs
Q: When did Sunrisers Hyderabad first play Rajasthan Royals in the IPL? A: The first SRH vs RR match took place on 17 April 2013 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH won by 23 runs in their debut IPL season, with David Warner top-scoring.
Q: Why were there no SRH vs RR matches in 2016 and 2017? A: Rajasthan Royals were suspended for two seasons by the BCCI following the 2013 spot-fixing scandal. They returned to the IPL in 2018, creating a two-year gap in the sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline.
Q: What is the highest total scored in an SRH vs RR match? A: SRH posted 287/3 against RR on 27 March 2024 at Hyderabad, the highest total in this fixture’s history. Heinrich Klaasen (81 off 34) and Abhishek Sharma (75 off 30) were the star batters.
Q: Who has scored the most runs in SRH vs RR matches? A: David Warner leads with 587 runs for SRH. For Rajasthan Royals, Sanju Samson tops the chart with 512 runs across multiple seasons.
Q: Have SRH and RR ever met in the IPL playoffs? A: No. As of the 2026 season, SRH and RR have never faced each other in a playoff, qualifier, or final. All 24 encounters have been league-stage matches.
Q: Who won the most recent SRH vs RR match in 2026? A: Rajasthan Royals won the latest encounter on 28 April 2026 in Jaipur by 4 wickets, powered by Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 104 and Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 61.
Conclusion
The sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline is a story of contrast, resilience, and ever-escalating drama. From SRH’s cautious early years to the 287-run blitzkrieg of 2024, and from RR’s suspension-era absence to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden century in 2026, this rivalry continues to evolve with every passing season. With 24 matches played, 13 SRH wins, and 11 RR victories, the balance remains tantalisingly close.
As IPL 2026 progresses and both franchises eye the playoffs, fans can expect yet another chapter of this fiercely competitive saga. The next time SRH and RR collide, one thing is guaranteed: the sunrisers hyderabad vs rajasthan royals timeline will gain another unforgettable entry.
