The SRH vs RR rivalry is one of the IPL’s most dynamic and evolving matchups. From early tactical battles to modern high-octane runfests, both teams have continually pushed the limits. Squad changes, venue shifts, and evolving strategies have made every encounter unpredictable. Across decades, this rivalry reflects IPL’s growth from calculated duels to record-breaking spectacles.
Overall Head-to-Head Record: SRH vs RR
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have faced each other 21 times up to the 2025 IPL season. SRH hold a slight edge due to consistent performances, while RR have delivered memorable victories in high-pressure moments. Notably, no match has ended in a tie or no result, emphasizing a clear competitive narrative.
Head-to-Head Summary Table
| Matches Played | SRH Wins | RR Wins | Tie | No Result |
| 21 | 12 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
Key trends include SRH’s ability to defend totals effectively, while RR have often dominated through aggressive chases and powerplay dominance.
Early Years: Foundation of the Rivalry (2013–2014)
IPL 2013: The First-Ever Encounter
The rivalry began on April 27, 2013, in Jaipur. Rajasthan Royals announced their intent with a clinical bowling attack that dismantled SRH’s top order. Powered by Shane Watson and James Faulkner, RR chased the target efficiently, winning by 8 wickets and setting an early psychological benchmark in the rivalry.
Key Highlights:
- James Faulkner: 5/20 (First IPL five-wicket haul)
- Shane Watson: 98 off 53 balls
- RR chased comfortably with 13 balls remaining
This game demonstrated RR’s early dominance and highlighted the importance of disciplined bowling and aggressive batting in the rivalry.
IPL 2013: SRH Strike Back at Home
In Hyderabad later that season, SRH delivered a statement performance. Defending a modest total, their bowlers executed strategies perfectly, restricting RR and winning by 23 runs. This match showcased SRH’s early tactical maturity and balanced the initial rivalry narrative.
Key Points:
- Tight death-over bowling won the match for SRH
- David Warner anchored the innings with calm aggression
- Match reinforced SRH’s resilience at home
Building Momentum: Tactical Evolution (2015–2019)
Between 2015 and 2019, the rivalry became more competitive. Venue neutrality and squad adaptability made outcomes less predictable. Matches were increasingly decided in the middle overs with spin and seam variations becoming crucial.
Notable Tactical Trends (2015–2019)
- Middle overs decisive: Overs 7–15 often swung results
- Bowling depth mattered more than individual stars
- Home advantage reduced: Execution over familiarity
Key Match Snapshot Table
| Season | Venue | Result | Key Performer |
| 2015 | Visakhapatnam | RR won by 6 wickets | Ajinkya Rahane 61 |
| 2016 | Hyderabad | SRH won by 7 runs | David Warner 45*, Bhuvneshwar 3/28 |
| 2018 | Hyderabad | SRH won by 9 wickets | Kane Williamson 68* |
| 2019 | Jaipur | RR won by 7 wickets | Jos Buttler 72 |
Neutral Venues and Adaptability (2020–2021)
The pandemic-era IPL forced both teams to adapt to neutral venues, primarily in the UAE. Conditions initially favored bowlers, then gradually became batting-friendly. Squad depth, tactical flexibility, and smart batting order changes defined success.
| Aspect | SRH Advantage | RR Advantage |
| Chasing | Controlled middle-order | Explosive starts |
| Bowling | Yorkers and slower balls | Wrist-spin and variations |
| Adaptability | Stable combinations | High-risk, high-reward approach |
SRH slightly outperformed RR during this phase, particularly in controlled chases and death-over execution.
Resurgence and High-Scoring Encounters (2022–2025)
IPL 2022: RR Statement Win
RR dominated SRH by 61 runs in Pune, showcasing powerplay aggression and depth in batting. SRH’s fragile middle order collapsed under pressure.
- RR strong powerplay: 55+ runs
- SRH lost wickets in clusters (overs 7–12)
IPL 2023: Royals Dominate Hyderabad
RR’s 72-run win in Hyderabad marked their largest victory over SRH. Top-order dominance and clinical bowling defined the outcome.
Bowling Masterclass:
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 4/17
- SRH all out chasing 204
IPL 2024: Thrillers and Playoff Pressure
- League Match: SRH defended a total by 1 run, showcasing death-over brilliance.
- Qualifier 2 Playoff: SRH posted a competitive total and restricted RR, highlighting playoff experience.
IPL 2025: Record-Breaking Run Fest
SRH scored 286/6 in Hyderabad, the highest total in SRH vs RR history. Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106 off 47 balls anchored the innings.
| Team | Score | Overs | Key Performer |
| SRH | 286/6 | 20 | Ishan Kishan 106* |
| RR | 242/6 | 20 | Sanju Samson 58, Dhruv Jurel 47* |
| Aggregate | 528 | — | Highest in rivalry history |
This era confirmed SRH vs RR as a modern high-scoring rivalry, combining tactical maturity with explosive batting.
Developing Competition: Tactical Battles (2015–2019)
Between 2015 and 2019, the SRH vs RR rivalry settled into a phase defined by balance and tactical nuance. Neither side could dominate consistently, and results were spread across venues rather than driven by home advantage. These seasons highlighted game awareness, bowling depth, and adaptability over raw batting firepower, making matches tightly contested and often decided in short phases.
Notable Trends of This Phase
- Middle overs as the key battleground
Matches frequently turned between overs 7–15, where spinners and change bowlers controlled run flow. - Bowling depth over star batting
Teams with stronger fifth and sixth bowling options usually finished on top. - Reduced home advantage
Execution and matchups mattered more than familiarity with conditions.
Key Results Snapshot (2015–2019)
| Season | Venue | Result | Match Context |
| 2015 | Visakhapatnam | RR won by 6 wickets | Low-scoring chase controlled in middle overs |
| 2016 | Hyderabad | SRH won by 7 runs | Defended total through tight death bowling |
| 2018 | Hyderabad | SRH won by 9 wickets | One-sided chase after early RR collapse |
| 2019 | Jaipur | RR won by 7 wickets | Clinical chase led by top-order stability |
This phase laid the strategic foundation for the rivalry’s later evolution.
Neutral Venues and Adaptability (2020–2021)
The pandemic-era IPL forced SRH and RR into neutral venues, mainly in the UAE, removing traditional home advantages altogether. Conditions initially favored seam bowling under lights before gradually flattening out. Squad balance, bench strength, and tactical flexibility became decisive factors.
SRH adapted slightly better overall, particularly in controlled chases and disciplined death overs. RR, meanwhile, produced dominant performances when their top order clicked together, though inconsistency limited sustained success.
Key Tactical Takeaways (2020–2021)
- Greater reliance on matchups rather than roles
- Increased importance of death-over specialists
- Batting orders adjusted frequently based on pitch behavior
| Aspect | SRH Strength | RR Strength |
| Chasing | Calm middle-order control | Explosive starts |
| Bowling | Yorkers and slower balls | Wrist-spin in middle overs |
| Adaptability | Stable combinations | High-risk, high-reward approach |
Resurgence and Big Margins (2022–2023)
From 2022 onward, the rivalry entered a phase of sharper contrasts. Results were no longer narrow by default. Instead, dominant wins began appearing, driven by aggressive powerplay batting and deeper lineups.
IPL 2022: RR’s Statement Win in Pune
Rajasthan Royals delivered a commanding 61-run victory that exposed SRH’s fragile middle order. RR’s batting depth allowed sustained aggression without collapse, while their bowlers attacked relentlessly after early breakthroughs.
- RR powerplay score crossed 55
- SRH lost key wickets between overs 7–12
- Match momentum never swung back
IPL 2023: Royals Dominate in Hyderabad
RR’s 72-run win in Hyderabad remains their biggest victory over SRH. A strong top-order foundation was followed by precise bowling that shut down SRH’s chase completely.
Bowling Masterclass
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 4/17
- SRH bowled out cheaply while chasing 204
- Middle-order collapse sealed the result early
| Match | Target | SRH All Out | Margin |
| IPL 2023, Hyderabad | 204 | 131 | RR won by 72 runs |
IPL 2024: High Drama and Playoff Pressure
The 2024 season brought the rivalry to its most dramatic phase, combining nail-biting league finishes with playoff tension.
League Match: One-Run Thriller in Hyderabad
SRH defended their total by just one run in a match defined by death-over precision. Yorkers, slower balls, and sharp fielding turned what looked like a losing cause into a famous win.
- Last over required 13 runs
- Perfect execution under pressure
- Match decided by inches, not strategy alone
Qualifier 2: Playoff Clash in Chennai
Qualifier 2 added lasting significance to the rivalry. SRH handled playoff pressure better, posting a competitive total and defending it with discipline and patience.
| Phase | SRH Advantage |
| Powerplay | Controlled aggression |
| Middle overs | Spin choking runs |
| Death overs | Variation and accuracy |
This win pushed SRH into the final and elevated the rivalry beyond league-stage drama.
IPL 2025: Record-Breaking Run Fest
SRH vs RR, Match 2, Hyderabad
IPL 2025 redefined scoring limits in SRH vs RR history. SRH smashed 286/6, the highest total ever recorded in this rivalry, symbolizing the modern IPL’s fearless batting approach.
| Team | Score | Overs |
| SRH | 286/6 | 20 |
| RR | 242/6 | 20 |
| Match Aggregate | 528 runs | Highest in rivalry |
Ishan Kishan’s Maiden Century
Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106 off 47 balls anchored the innings while maintaining relentless momentum. Batting at No.3, he blended timing with power, never allowing RR’s bowlers to settle.
SRH Batting Highlights
- Travis Head: 67 off 31
- Heinrich Klaasen: 34 off 14
- Team strike rate: 14.30 runs per over
RR’s Brave Chase Falls Short
Rajasthan Royals responded with their highest-ever total against SRH. Despite aggressive half-centuries from Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel, the target proved unreachable.
- RR crossed 240 for the first time vs SRH
- Required run rate stayed above 13 throughout
- One over of missed execution proved decisive
This match confirmed that SRH vs RR had fully transformed into a modern, high-scoring IPL rivalry where even extraordinary efforts can fall short.
Statistical Records in SRH vs RR Matches
The statistical landscape of Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals highlights how the rivalry has evolved from controlled contests into record-breaking encounters. Recent seasons, especially 2024 and 2025, have rewritten benchmarks for team totals, individual brilliance, and match aggregates. These numbers reflect not just one-off performances but a broader shift in approach from both franchises.
Team Records
SRH currently dominate the high-scoring records in this rivalry, particularly at Hyderabad, while RR hold the record for the most emphatic win by margin.
| Category | Record | Match Context |
| SRH Highest Team Score | 286/6 | IPL 2025, Hyderabad |
| RR Highest Team Score | 242/6 | IPL 2025, Hyderabad |
| Biggest SRH Win | 36 runs | Qualifier 2, IPL 2024 |
| Biggest RR Win | 72 runs | IPL 2023, Hyderabad |
| Highest Match Aggregate | 528 runs | IPL 2025, Hyderabad |
| Lowest Winning Total (SRH) | 144/9 | IPL 2013 |
| Lowest Winning Total (RR) | 131/8 | IPL 2013 |
These records underline how the rivalry spans both ends of the T20 spectrum, from defensive wins to explosive batting showcases.
Individual Records
Individual performances have often defined SRH vs RR matches, with standout knocks and rare bowling feats leaving a lasting mark.
| Category | Player | Record | Season |
| Highest Individual Score (SRH) | Ishan Kishan | 106* | 2025 |
| Highest Individual Score (RR) | Jos Buttler | 124 | 2021 |
| Best Bowling Figures (RR) | James Faulkner | 5/16 | 2013 |
| Best Bowling Figures (SRH) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 4/14 | 2014 |
| Most Sixes in a Match (SRH batter) | Ishan Kishan | 6 | 2025 |
| Most Sixes in a Match (RR batter) | Dhruv Jurel | 6 | 2025 |
These records show how the rivalry allows both explosive batting and rare bowling dominance to coexist.
Patterns and Tactical Evolution
Shift Toward High-Scoring Games
In the early years, SRH vs RR encounters were often shaped by disciplined bowling and modest totals. From 2023 onward, the rivalry has undergone a clear transformation, driven by deeper batting lineups, flatter pitches, and aggressive intent from ball one. Matches now regularly cross the 200-run mark, with 250-plus totals no longer considered safe.
Key Tactical Trends
The tactical DNA of this rivalry has changed noticeably over time.
- Powerplay aggression
- Teams now aim for 70–90 runs in the first six overs.
- Openers take calculated risks rather than preserving wickets.
- Left-right opening combinations are used to disrupt bowling lines.
- Teams now aim for 70–90 runs in the first six overs.
- Middle-over acceleration
- Anchoring roles have almost disappeared.
- Batters target spinners aggressively instead of rotating strike.
- Impact Player rule allows teams to bat deeper.
- Anchoring roles have almost disappeared.
- Death overs as the decisive phase
- Most matches swing between overs 16–20.
- Bowlers rely heavily on slower balls, wide yorkers, and cutters.
- Missed yorkers are often punished for six.
- Most matches swing between overs 16–20.
- Fielding as a hidden factor
- Dropped catches frequently change match momentum.
- Boundary riding and relay fielding have become crucial in high totals.
- Direct hits increasingly influence close finishes.
- Dropped catches frequently change match momentum.
Why SRH vs RR Matters More Now
This rivalry has gained importance because it reflects competitive balance rather than dominance. Neither team enjoys sustained superiority, which keeps every encounter relevant regardless of form or standings. Playoff meetings and narrow league-stage finishes have added emotional intensity for players and fans alike.
What Keeps It Competitive
Several factors ensure that SRH vs RR remains one of the IPL’s most watchable matchups.
- Balanced head-to-head record
- SRH lead narrowly, preventing predictability.
- RR frequently respond with dominant wins.
- SRH lead narrowly, preventing predictability.
- Regular close finishes
- One-run and last-over results in recent seasons.
- High-pressure moments define outcomes.
- One-run and last-over results in recent seasons.
- Frequent squad refreshes
- Both teams integrate young Indian players consistently.
- Overseas combinations change tactical dynamics each season.
- Both teams integrate young Indian players consistently.
- Young talent shaping results
- Players like Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy have delivered decisive performances.
- The rivalry often acts as a breakout stage for emerging stars.
- Players like Abhishek Sharma, Dhruv Jurel, and Nitish Reddy have delivered decisive performances.
Future Outlook of the SRH vs RR Rivalry
As the IPL continues to evolve, SRH vs RR matches are likely to become even more aggressive and tactically nuanced. With batting-friendly pitches, impact substitutes, and fearless approaches, the rivalry is positioned to produce some of the league’s most entertaining contests.
What to Expect Ahead
- More 500+ aggregate matches
- Totals similar to 2024 and 2025 becoming more common.
- Bowlers needing near-perfect execution to stay competitive.
- Totals similar to 2024 and 2025 becoming more common.
- Young Indian batters leading the charge
- Greater responsibility placed on domestic talent.
- Match-winning knocks from uncapped or recently capped players.
- Greater responsibility placed on domestic talent.
- Return of tactical bowling under pressure
- Smart use of pace variations and matchups.
- Spinners evolving as defensive weapons rather than wicket-takers.
- Smart use of pace variations and matchups.
- Higher chance of playoff clashes
- Both teams regularly pushing for top-four finishes.
- Knockout games adding legacy value to the rivalry.
- Both teams regularly pushing for top-four finishes.
Overall, the SRH vs RR rivalry is no longer just another fixture on the IPL calendar. It has become a mirror of modern T20 cricket, where innovation, bravery, and execution decide outcomes, and where history is rewritten almost every season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times have SRH and RR played each other?
Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals have faced each other 21 times up to IPL 2025.
Who leads the head-to-head record?
SRH hold a slight edge with 12 wins to RR’s 9.
What is the highest-scoring match in this rivalry?
The IPL 2025 Hyderabad match saw SRH score 286/6, the highest in SRH vs RR history.
Who is the top performer in SRH vs RR matches?
Ishan Kishan stands out with impactful innings, including his unbeaten 106 in 2025.
Which match is considered the closest thriller?
The 2024 league match, where SRH defended a total by just 1 run, is the tightest finish.
Why is this rivalry so competitive?
Balanced wins, unpredictable outcomes, and playoff clashes keep the rivalry intense.
Conclusion
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals timeline tells a story of balance, evolution, and constant reinvention. SRH hold a slight edge, but RR have delivered some of the rivalry’s most dominant performances. Recent seasons have transformed this matchup into a high-scoring spectacle with playoff significance. Every new SRH vs RR game now feels less like routine and more like an IPL event in itself.
