Introduction: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline
The Indian Premier League has given cricket fans several iconic rivalries, but one contest that has quietly grown into a high-voltage battle is Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Since Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the IPL in 2013, clashes between these two teams have consistently produced thrilling matches, dramatic turnarounds, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments.
On one side, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are known for their aggressive batting philosophy, star-studded lineups, and massive fan following. On the other, Sunrisers Hyderabad have built a reputation for disciplined bowling attacks, strategic captaincy, and fearless power hitters. When these contrasting styles collide, the result is often explosive.
This article presents a complete timeline of SRH vs RCB, covering every season, major turning points, match outcomes, key players, and how the rivalry has evolved over time. The timeline is presented in a table format for clarity, followed by deep analysis, season-wise insights, and statistical context to make this one of the most comprehensive resources available.
Table of Contents
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rivalry Overview
Before diving into the timeline, it is important to understand why this rivalry matters.
Key Highlights of the Rivalry
- First meeting took place in IPL 2013
- Both teams have played 26+ matches
- Sunrisers Hyderabad hold a slight head-to-head advantage
- The rivalry includes an IPL Final (2016)
- Holds the record for highest team total in IPL history
- Multiple last-over thrillers and high-scoring chases
This rivalry is a blend of consistency versus explosiveness, planning versus power, and calm execution versus fearless aggression.
Team Background and Identity
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad replaced the Deccan Chargers in 2013. From the beginning, SRH focused on building a strong bowling unit supported by powerful but controlled batting.
Key Traits of SRH
- Strong fast-bowling core
- Effective death-over specialists
- Tactical captains
- Emphasis on team balance
- IPL Champions in 2016
SRH are often underestimated, but historically they have been one of the most consistent IPL teams.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been part of the IPL since 2008. Known for their attacking style, RCB matches are rarely dull.
Key Traits of RCB
- Star-driven batting lineups
- Aggressive approach
- Massive fan base
- High-scoring games
- Emotional and passionate identity
RCB’s clashes with SRH often turn into run-fests or tactical battles, depending on pitch and conditions.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Timeline (Table Format)
Below is the complete season-by-season timeline of matches between SRH and RCB.
| Year | Match Result | Winner | Margin | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | League Match | RCB | 7 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 2014 | League Match | SRH | 7 wickets | Hyderabad |
| 2014 | League Match | RCB | 4 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 2015 | League Match | SRH | 8 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 2015 | League Match | RCB | 6 wickets | Hyderabad |
| 2016 | League Match | RCB | 45 runs | Bengaluru |
| 2016 | League Match | SRH | 15 runs | Hyderabad |
| 2016 | IPL Final | SRH | 8 runs | Bengaluru |
| 2017 | League Match | SRH | 35 runs | Hyderabad |
| 2017 | League Match | No Result | Abandoned | Bengaluru |
| 2018 | League Match | SRH | 5 runs | Hyderabad |
| 2018 | League Match | RCB | 14 runs | Bengaluru |
| 2019 | League Match | SRH | 118 runs | Hyderabad |
| 2019 | League Match | RCB | 4 wickets | Bengaluru |
| 2020 | League Match | SRH | 5 wickets | Sharjah |
| 2020 | League Match | SRH | 6 wickets | Sharjah |
| 2020 | Eliminator | RCB | 10 runs | Dubai |
| 2021 | League Match | RCB | 6 runs | Chennai |
| 2021 | League Match | SRH | 4 runs | Abu Dhabi |
| 2021 | League Match | SRH | 9 wickets | Mumbai |
| 2022 | League Match | RCB | 67 runs | Mumbai |
| 2023 | League Match | RCB | 8 wickets | Hyderabad |
| 2024 | League Match | SRH | 25 runs | Bengaluru |
| 2024 | League Match | RCB | 35 runs | Hyderabad |
| 2025 | League Match | SRH | 42 runs | Lucknow |
Detailed Season-Wise Analysis
IPL 2013–2014: The Beginning of the Rivalry
The first SRH vs RCB match in 2013 set the tone for future encounters. RCB dominated early thanks to their experienced batting lineup, while SRH were still finding their footing as a new franchise.
By 2014, SRH had begun asserting themselves, registering their first win over RCB. This season highlighted SRH’s bowling discipline against RCB’s aggressive batting approach.
IPL 2015–2016: Rivalry Peaks with a Final
The 2015 season saw evenly matched contests, with both teams winning one match each.
IPL 2016 – A Defining Year
The rivalry reached its peak in IPL 2016, when both teams faced each other twice in the league stage and then again in the final.
- SRH defended a massive total in the final
- RCB came agonizingly close
- SRH lifted their first IPL trophy
This match became the most iconic moment in the SRH vs RCB timeline and is still remembered as one of the best IPL finals ever.
IPL 2017–2019: SRH Dominance Phase
Between 2017 and 2019, Sunrisers Hyderabad enjoyed a period of dominance.
- SRH registered a massive 118-run victory in 2019
- Their bowling attack repeatedly exposed RCB’s middle-order weaknesses
- RCB still managed crucial wins, keeping the rivalry competitive
This phase showcased SRH’s ability to adapt to different conditions and neutralize RCB’s power hitters.
IPL 2020–2021: Neutral Venues, New Dynamics
The UAE seasons added a fresh dimension to the rivalry.
- Multiple close matches
- Tactical battles on slower pitches
- RCB edged SRH in a playoff encounter
- SRH responded with clutch league wins
These seasons emphasized strategy over pure power and highlighted depth and adaptability.
IPL 2022–2023: Transition Phase
Both teams underwent squad changes.
- RCB found consistency in batting
- SRH experimented with leadership and combinations
- Matches were competitive but less one-sided
RCB’s win in Hyderabad in 2023 marked a psychological boost for the franchise.
IPL 2024: Record-Breaking Mayhem
The 2024 clash between SRH and RCB entered IPL folklore.
- SRH scored 287 runs, the highest total in IPL history
- RCB responded with over 260 runs
- Combined total crossed 540 runs
- Fans witnessed one of the most explosive T20 matches ever
This game redefined the rivalry and showcased the modern T20 era’s fearless batting.
IPL 2025: Tactical Supremacy
In 2025, SRH delivered a commanding performance with a comprehensive victory.
- Strong top-order batting
- Controlled bowling in death overs
- Clinical execution under pressure
This match reinforced SRH’s reputation as a tactically superior side in head-to-head battles.
Head-to-Head Statistics Summary
| Category | SRH | RCB |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 26 | 26 |
| Wins | 14 | 11 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
| Highest Team Score | 287 | 262 |
| Biggest Win | 118 runs | 67 runs |
Key Players Who Shaped the Rivalry
Sunrisers Hyderabad Legends
- David Warner – Consistent run scorer and leader
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Dominant against RCB top order
- Rashid Khan – Game-changer in middle overs
- Travis Head – Record-breaking innings
- Ishan Kishan – Match-winning knocks
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Icons
- Virat Kohli – Backbone of RCB batting
- AB de Villiers – Destroyer of bowling attacks
- Glenn Maxwell – Explosive middle-order presence
- Faf du Plessis – Leadership and consistency
Why This Rivalry Matters in IPL History
- Features an IPL Final
- Includes record-breaking scores
- Combines tactical battles with explosive batting
- Produces high-pressure moments
- Represents contrasting cricketing philosophies
Conclusion
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is a story of evolving strategies, unforgettable performances, and dramatic contests. From SRH’s championship triumph in 2016 to record-shattering run-fests in 2024, this rivalry captures the essence of IPL cricket.
With both teams continuing to rebuild and innovate, future encounters promise even more excitement, making SRH vs RCB one of the most compelling rivalries in modern T20 cricket.
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