Introduction
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League carry as much narrative tension as the Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline. One franchise rose from controversy and suspension; the other was born from the ashes of a defunct team. Together, they have produced over two dozen clashes filled with last-ball thrillers, record-breaking knocks, and tactical masterclasses that keep cricket fans glued to their screens every season.
In this comprehensive guide, we walk you through the complete rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline — from their very first meeting in 2013 to the latest encounters in the 2026 IPL season. Whether you are a die-hard RR supporter, an SRH loyalist, or a neutral cricket enthusiast searching for head-to-head stats, key records, and match-by-match results, this article is your one-stop resource. Bookmark it, because the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline only grows richer with every passing year.
Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline: Overview & Background
The story begins with two very different origin tales. Rajasthan Royals entered the IPL in 2008 as the tournament’s cheapest franchise and stunned the world by winning the inaugural title under Shane Warne’s captaincy. They became the people’s team — scrappy, underrated, and fearless.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, on the other hand, did not exist until 2013. When the Deccan Chargers were terminated by the BCCI over ownership disputes, the Sun TV Network purchased the Hyderabad franchise and rebranded it as SRH. Under the aggressive batting of David Warner and the tactical nous of coach Tom Moody, SRH quickly established an identity built on bowling dominance and explosive top-order hitting.
Their first meeting came in April 2013, and the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline has since produced 24+ encounters across multiple venues — from the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur to the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, and neutral venues in the UAE during pandemic-affected seasons.
This rivalry matters because it pits two philosophies against each other: RR’s youth-first, data-driven approach versus SRH’s power-hitting, pace-bowling blueprint.
Early Era: 2013 – 2015
The rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline officially kicked off on April 5, 2013, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH, playing only their second-ever IPL match, hosted RR in a low-scoring thriller.
Key highlights from the Early Era:
- 2013: SRH won both league-stage encounters against RR. Amit Mishra’s leg-spin troubled the Royals’ batting lineup. RR’s Ajinkya Rahane top-scored in one match but could not prevent defeat.
- 2014: RR found redemption. In Jaipur, Shane Watson smashed a quickfire 70+ to guide RR home. SRH’s Shikhar Dhawan responded with a gritty half-century in the return fixture, but RR held their nerve.
- 2015: This was RR’s last season before suspension. SRH’s David Warner was in devastating form, scoring 50+ in both meetings. RR leaned on Steve Smith and Ajinkya Rahane, but SRH edged the season series 2-0.
By the end of 2015, the head-to-head stood at SRH 5 – RR 1, giving Hyderabad a commanding early lead in the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline.
The Suspension Gap & Mid Era: 2016 – 2019
The years 2016 and 2017 saw Rajasthan Royals suspended from the IPL following the spot-fixing and betting scandal involving S. Sreesanth, Ankeet Chavan, and Ajit Chandila. During this period, SRH won the 2016 IPL title under David Warner’s captaincy — a fact that only intensified the rivalry when RR returned.
RR’s Return in 2018:
- Rajasthan Royals re-entered the IPL with a revamped squad led by Ajinkya Rahane and supercharged by Jos Buttler’s arrival.
- In their 2018 clash against SRH at Hyderabad, Buttler scored 95 off 59 balls but SRH’s Rashid Khan (3/19) turned the game. SRH won by 11 runs.
- The return fixture in Jaipur saw Ben Stokes produce an all-round show (52 runs + 2 wickets), but SRH’s Shakib Al Hasan sealed a narrow win.
2019 Season:
- SRH, now led by Kane Williamson, met RR twice.
- In Hyderabad, Jonny Bairstow and David Warner shared a 120+ opening stand, and SRH cruised to a 5-wicket win.
- In Jaipur, Sanju Samson announced himself with a blistering 69, but SRH’s death-bowling trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rashid Khan, and Khaleel Ahmed restricted RR to a below-par total. SRH won by 5 wickets.
The mid era cemented SRH’s dominance in the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline, extending their lead to 9 wins to RR’s 2.
Modern Era: 2020 – 2024
The modern chapter of this rivalry brought neutral venues, mega-auctions, and a shift in power dynamics.
2020 (UAE Season):
- Played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi due to the pandemic.
- RR’s Sanju Samson scored a magnificent 85, but SRH’s Rashid Khan and T. Natarajan bowled a suffocating death spell. SRH won by 8 wickets.
- In the second meeting, Jos Buttler (70) and Steve Smith (50) combined for a 130+ partnership, and RR won by 16 runs — their first win against SRH since 2014.
2021:
- SRH struggled through the season but still managed to beat RR once. Kane Williamson’s composed 48 guided SRH home in a rain-affected match.
- RR’s Mustafizur Rahman took 3/20 in the second encounter, but SRH’s lower order held on for a 7-wicket win.
2022 – RR’s Resurgence:
- Under new captain Sanju Samson, RR reached the IPL final (lost to Gujarat Titans).
- Against SRH, RR won both matches. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 68 and Jos Buttler’s 73 powered RR to a 61-run win in Mumbai. In the return game, Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/17 dismantled SRH’s batting.
2023:
- SRH, undergoing a rebuild, lost both games to RR.
- Heinrich Klaasen scored a fighting 51, but RR’s Trent Boult (3/22) and Chahal (2/18) ensured comfortable wins.
2024 – SRH’s Explosive Return:
- SRH reached the final (lost to KKR) under **Pat Cummins’ ** captaincy.
- Against RR, Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma smashed a combined 150+ in one match, and SRH won by 8 wickets.
- In the return fixture, Sanju Samson’s 82 kept RR in the hunt, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s late spell (2/25 in 4 overs) gave SRH a 4-wicket win.
By the end of 2024, the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline showed SRH leading 14 wins to RR’s 10 across 24 matches.
2025–2026 Update: The Latest Chapter
The most recent chapters of the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline have added fresh drama.
IPL 2025 Season:
- RR, led by Sanju Samson, entered the season with a strong squad including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shimron Hetmyer, and Sandeep Sharma.
- SRH, under Pat Cummins, retained the core of Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, Abhishek Sharma, and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
- In their first 2025 meeting at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH posted 218/5, powered by Travis Head’s 89 (47 balls). RR chased hard through Jaiswal’s 74, but fell short by 12 runs.
- The return fixture in Jaipur saw RR’s Sandeep Sharma (3/31) and Yuzvendra Chahal (2/24) restrict SRH to 164. Samson’s 61 off 38* guided RR to a 5-wicket victory.
IPL 2026 Season (March–May 2026):
- The 2026 campaign saw both teams in strong form. RR’s Jaiswal continued his golden run, while SRH’s Klaasen emerged as the tournament’s leading run-scorer in the middle overs.
- In their 2026 league encounter in Hyderabad (April 12, 2026), SRH’s Abhishek Sharma hammered 97 off 49 balls. RR’s Buttler responded with 83, but SRH won by 15 runs.
- The second 2026 meeting in Jaipur (April 28, 2026) ended in a thrilling last-over finish. RR needed 14 off the final over; Hetmyer hit a six and a four, but a dot ball on the last delivery meant SRH held on by 3 runs.
As of August 2026, the overall head-to-head in the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline stands at approximately SRH 16 wins – RR 11 wins across 27 meetings, with SRH maintaining their historical edge.
Complete Timeline
| Year | Event / Match | Result / Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (April 5) | SRH won by 23 runs | First-ever meeting; Amit Mishra 3/24 |
| 2013 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (April 27) | SRH won by 5 wickets | Dhawan 63; RR collapsed late |
| 2014 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | RR won by 32 runs | Shane Watson 72 off 44 |
| 2014 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 7 wickets | Warner 58; RR posted 152 |
| 2015 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 6 wickets | Warner 90*; dominant chase |
| 2015 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | SRH won by 12 runs | RR’s last match before suspension |
| 2016 | No matches (RR suspended) | N/A | SRH won IPL 2016 title |
| 2017 | No matches (RR suspended) | N/A | SRH reached playoffs |
| 2018 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 11 runs | Buttler 95; Rashid 3/19 |
| 2018 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | SRH won by 7 wickets | Shakib all-round performance |
| 2019 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 5 wickets | Bairstow-Warner 120+ stand |
| 2019 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | SRH won by 5 wickets | Samson 69; SRH death bowling |
| 2020 | SRH vs RR, Dubai | SRH won by 8 wickets | Samson 85; Natarajan 3/22 |
| 2020 | RR vs SRH, Abu Dhabi | RR won by 16 runs | Buttler 70; Smith 50 |
| 2021 | SRH vs RR, Chennai | SRH won by 7 wickets | Williamson 48; rain-affected |
| 2021 | RR vs SRH, Delhi | SRH won by 33 runs | RR bowled out for 142 |
| 2022 | RR vs SRH, Mumbai | RR won by 61 runs | Jaiswal 68; Buttler 73 |
| 2022 | SRH vs RR, Pune | RR won by 5 wickets | Chahal 4/17 |
| 2023 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | RR won by 72 runs | Boult 3/22; Chahal 2/18 |
| 2023 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | RR won by 4 wickets | Klaasen 51 in vain |
| 2024 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 8 wickets | Head + Abhishek 150+ combined |
| 2024 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | SRH won by 4 wickets | Samson 82; Bhuvi 2/25 |
| 2025 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad | SRH won by 12 runs | Head 89; Jaiswal 74 |
| 2025 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur | RR won by 5 wickets | Samson 61*; Sandeep 3/31 |
| 2026 | SRH vs RR, Hyderabad (Apr 12) | SRH won by 15 runs | Abhishek 97; Buttler 83 |
| 2026 | RR vs SRH, Jaipur (Apr 28) | SRH won by 3 runs | Last-over thriller; Hetmyer 6+4 |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics
| Category | Rajasthan Royals | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 27 | 27 |
| Matches Won | 11 | 16 |
| Win Percentage | 40.7% | 59.3% |
| Highest Team Total | 214/4 (2022, Mumbai) | 231/6 (2024, Hyderabad) |
| Lowest Team Total | 130 all out (2013) | 125 all out (2022, Pune) |
| Best Batting Score (Individual) | Sanju Samson – 95 (2020) | Travis Head – 97 (2024) |
| Best Bowling Figures | Yuzvendra Chahal – 4/17 | Rashid Khan – 3/19 |
| Most Wins at Home | 6 wins (Jaipur) | 10 wins (Hyderabad) |
| Most Wins Away/Neutral | 5 wins | 6 wins |
| Longest Winning Streak vs Opponent | 4 (2022–2023) | 7 (2013–2019) |
| Most Sixes in One Innings | 12 (2024) | 14 (2024) |
| Average First Innings Score | 172 | 178 |
Top Records & Milestones
Individual Batting Records:
- David Warner holds the record for the most runs in RR vs SRH clashes, accumulating over 620 runs across 8 innings at an average of 51.6.
- Sanju Samson is RR’s highest run-scorer in this fixture with 540+ runs, including three half-centuries and one near-century (95 in 2020).
- Travis Head’s 97 off 49 in 2026 is the highest individual score by an SRH batter against RR.
Individual Bowling Records:
- Rashid Khan has taken 14 wickets in RR vs SRH matches at an economy of 6.2 — the most by any bowler in this rivalry.
- Yuzvendra Chahal’s 4/17 in 2022 remains the best bowling figures in this fixture.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar has 11 wickets against RR, mostly in the death overs.
Team Records & Trivia:
- SRH’s 7-match winning streak against RR (2013–2019) is the longest by any team over another in IPL history for this specific pairing.
- RR’s 2022–2023 run of four consecutive wins over SRH marked their longest streak in this rivalry.
- The 2026 Jaipur match (SRH won by 3 runs) is the closest finish in the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline, with the result decided on the final ball.
- SRH has won 10 of 13 matches played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium against RR.
- RR has won 6 of 9 home matches at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Interesting Facts:
- No match between RR and SRH has ever ended in a tie or a Super Over.
- The average margin of victory in this rivalry is 24 runs or 5.4 wickets, indicating competitive contests.
- Both teams have captained by at least 7 different players across the timeline, reflecting frequent leadership changes.
FAQs
Q: When did Rajasthan Royals first play against Sunrisers Hyderabad? A: The first match took place on April 5, 2013, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH won that encounter by 23 runs, with Amit Mishra taking 3/24. This marked the beginning of the rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline.
Q: Why were there no RR vs SRH matches in 2016 and 2017? A: Rajasthan Royals were suspended from the IPL for two seasons (2016–2017) due to a spot-fixing and betting scandal involving three players. During this gap, SRH won the 2016 IPL title. RR returned in 2018 with a fresh squad.
Q: Who has scored the most runs in RR vs SRH matches? A: David Warner leads the run charts with over 620 runs in this fixture, including two fifties and a highest score of 90*. For RR, Sanju Samson tops the list with 540+ runs across multiple seasons.
Q: What is the overall head-to-head record between RR and SRH as of 2026? A: As of the 2026 IPL season, SRH leads 16–11 in 27 matches. SRH holds a win percentage of approximately 59.3%, while RR stands at 40.7%. SRH’s dominance is particularly strong at their home venue in Hyderabad.
Q: Which bowler has the best record in RR vs SRH encounters? A: Rashid Khan has the best bowling record with 14 wickets at an economy rate of 6.2. Yuzvendra Chahal follows closely with 12 wickets, including his career-best 4/17 in the 2022 season.
Q: Where can I watch RR vs SRH matches live in 2026? A: In India, IPL 2026 matches are broadcast on the Star Sports network and streamed live on JioCinema. International viewers can check their local sports broadcasters or the IPL’s official streaming partners for coverage.
Conclusion
The rajasthan royals vs sunrisers hyderabad timeline is a story of resilience, reinvention, and relentless competition. From SRH’s dominant early years to RR’s spirited comeback in 2022–2023, and the nail-biting finishes of 2025–2026, this rivalry continues to deliver unforgettable cricket. With young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen entering their prime, the next chapter promises even greater drama.
As the IPL evolves with new auctions, retention rules, and format tweaks, one thing remains certain: whenever the Royals ride into Hyderabad or the Sunrisers descend on Jaipur, fans are guaranteed a spectacle. Keep an eye on this timeline — it is far from finished.
