The Rajasthan Royals VS Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline is one of the most exciting and competitive rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Since Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) joined the IPL in 2013, this matchup has delivered dramatic finishes, high-scoring games, and standout individual performances. Fans have witnessed close contests, nail-biting chases, and memorable centuries that have kept this rivalry alive. Whether it’s power-hitting, strategic bowling, or clutch fielding, every clash between RR and SRH brings excitement. With IPL 2026 approaching, both teams are ready to continue this historic and competitive saga.
Head-to-Head Showdown: Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
The rivalry between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has always been competitive and unpredictable. Since SRH entered the IPL in 2013, both teams have produced thrilling matches filled with explosive batting, strategic bowling, and last-over finishes. While SRH holds a slight advantage overall, RR has consistently shown the ability to turn the tide in their favor, making each encounter exciting for fans and analysts alike.
Key Head-to-Head Records (2013–2025)
- Total Matches Played: 21
- Sunrisers Hyderabad Wins: 12
- Rajasthan Royals Wins: 9
- No Result / Tie: 0
Highlights of the Rivalry:
- SRH leads the overall record but RR has pulled off major upsets.
- No game has ended without a result, reflecting the competitive spirit of both teams.
- Many matches have been decided in the final overs, adding to the excitement.
- Each clash continues to be a must-watch for IPL fans due to its unpredictability and high stakes.
IPL 2026 Squads Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad
| Rajasthan Royals (RR) | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) |
| Riyan Parag (Captain) | Pat Cummins (Captain) |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | Ishan Kishan (WK) |
| Dhruv Jurel (WK) | Travis Head |
| Vaibhav Suryavanshi | Abhishek Sharma |
| Shubham Dubey | Nitish Kumar Reddy |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Heinrich Klaasen |
| Donovan Ferreira | Aniket Verma |
| Lhuan‑dre Pretorius | R. Smaran |
| Ravindra Jadeja | Harshal Patel |
| Sam Curran | Brydon Carse |
| Riyan Parag | Kamindu Mendis |
| Yudhvir Singh Charak | Harsh Dubey |
| Jofra Archer | Jaydev Unadkat |
| Sandeep Sharma | Eshan Malinga |
| Tushar Deshpande | Zeeshan Ansari |
| Kwena Maphaka | Shivang Kumar |
| Nandre Burger | Salil Arora |
| Adam Milne | Sakib Hussain |
| Ravi Bishnoi | Onkar Tarmale |
| Kuldeep Sen | Amit Kumar |
| Brijesh Sharma | Praful Hinge |
| Vignesh Puthur | Krains Fuletra |
| Sushant Mishra | Liam Livingstone |
Rajasthan Royals vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline: Memorable Clashes
2013–2017: Early Battles
- The first encounter in April 2013 saw RR chase down 144 with Shane Watson scoring 98 and James Faulkner taking 5 wickets.
- These early years featured competitive matches with both teams trading wins and testing each other’s strategies.
2018–2021: Tactical Clashes
- SRH leveraged their disciplined bowling and experienced batting lineup to win at home and neutral venues.
- RR responded with gritty performances, including a 55-run win in Delhi in 2021, showing their ability to fight back.
2022–2023: High Scores and Dominant Wins
- In 2022, RR recorded a 61-run victory at Pune.
- 2023 saw RR win 72 runs in Hyderabad, showcasing strong batting depth and tight bowling at crucial moments.
2024–2025: Thrilling Matches and Playoff Drama
- May 2024: SRH won a nail-biting match by just 1 run in Hyderabad.
- Qualifier 2, May 2024: SRH beat RR by 36 runs, advancing to the IPL final — a high-pressure, defining moment.
- March 2025: SRH posted 286/6, the highest team total in this rivalry, with Ishan Kishan scoring 106 not out, while RR responded with 242/6, making it one of the most exciting matches in this timeline.
Top Performers and Key Statistics: RR vs SRH
Batting Highlights
- Highest Team Score (SRH): 286/6 in 2025 — a massive total that showcased SRH’s explosive batting lineup.
- Highest Team Score (RR): 242/6 in 2025 — a strong chase that tested SRH’s bowling attack.
- Notable Individual Performances:
- Ishan Kishan (SRH): 106* in 2025, a match-defining innings under pressure.
- Jos Buttler (RR): 124 in 2021, leading RR to a memorable victory.
Bowling Highlights
- Best Bowling Figures (RR): James Faulkner – 5/16 in 2013, an early standout performance that helped RR dominate the match.
- Best Bowling Figures (SRH): Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 4/14, consistently breaking key partnerships and controlling the game with precision.
Over the years, the RR vs SRH encounters have been shaped by explosive batting performances and game-changing bowling spells, making this rivalry unpredictable and exciting for fans.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan Royals VS Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline captures one of IPL’s most dynamic rivalries. Over the years, these teams have delivered high-scoring clashes, unexpected upsets, and unforgettable individual performances. SRH’s consistency and RR’s resilience have made every match unpredictable and entertaining. From early battles in 2013 to record-breaking innings in 2025, the rivalry has tested skill, strategy, and composure. With IPL 2026 on the horizon, both sides boast balanced squads filled with talent, promising thrilling encounters. Fans can look forward to intense matches, decisive finishes, and iconic moments that continue to define this classic IPL fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many times have Rajasthan Royals and Sunrisers Hyderabad faced each other in the IPL?
RR and SRH have played 21 matches from 2013 to 2025, making it one of the IPL’s competitive rivalries.
2. Which team leads the head-to-head record?
Sunrisers Hyderabad leads with 12 wins, while Rajasthan Royals have won 9 matches. No match has ended in a tie or no result.
3. What are the most memorable matches between RR and SRH?
Key highlights include Shane Watson’s 98 in 2013, Ishan Kishan’s 106* in 2025, and several nail-biting finishes decided in the final overs.
4. Who are the top performers in RR vs SRH clashes?
Notable players include Jos Buttler and Ravindra Jadeja for RR, and Ishan Kishan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Harshal Patel for SRH.
5. When will RR and SRH play in IPL 2026?
They are expected to meet twice in the league stage of IPL 2026 in the traditional home-and-away format, promising exciting contests for fans.