The Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed countless rivalries, but few have captured fan imagination like the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline. Since SRH’s inception in 2013, this clash has delivered power-packed innings, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable performances. Whether it’s Virat Kohli’s elegant strokeplay or David Warner’s explosive starts, every encounter between these two franchises adds a new chapter to their evolving story.
With passionate fanbases, contrasting team philosophies, and high-stakes playoff implications, SRH vs RCB matches are always must-watch events. This article dives deep into their complete IPL history from 2013 through the projected 2025 season, offering detailed stats, season-by-season breakdowns, and insights into what makes this rivalry so compelling.
Table of Contents
Introduction to the Rivalry
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline began in 2013 when SRH replaced the Deccan Chargers in the IPL. Though RCB had been a part of the league since its inception in 2008, the entry of SRH added a fresh, competitive edge to South Indian cricket. Both teams represent major tech and cultural hubs—Hyderabad and Bengaluru—and their matches often feel like a battle for regional pride. While RCB has long been known for its star-studded batting line-up led by Virat Kohli, SRH built its identity around disciplined bowling and explosive openers like David Warner.
Over the years, their encounters have featured thrilling finishes, record-breaking knocks, and tactical masterclasses, making this one of the most balanced and entertaining rivalries in IPL history.
Early Encounters (2013–2015)
2013: A Dramatic Debut
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline kicked off in spectacular fashion during IPL 2013. Their first-ever meeting in Hyderabad ended in a rare Super Over after both teams tied at 130 runs. SRH emerged victorious thanks to Dale Steyn’s nerveless bowling, earning him the Player of the Match. Just weeks later in Bengaluru, RCB bounced back with a clinical seven-wicket win powered by Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 72. These early matches set the tone: close contests, individual brilliance, and contrasting strategies.
SRH leaned on their pace attack, while RCB relied on Kohli and Chris Gayle to chase down targets. Though both teams missed the playoffs that year, their head-to-head battles hinted at a rivalry that would only intensify.
2014: SRH’s Dominance in UAE
The 2014 season saw the IPL temporarily shifted to the UAE due to elections in India, and SRH used the conditions to their advantage. In their lone encounter that year in Dubai, SRH posted 161/7, with David Warner smashing 67 off 43 balls. RCB’s chase never gained momentum, collapsing to 145 all out. Warner’s aggressive start and Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s tight bowling sealed a 16-run win for Hyderabad.
This match highlighted SRH’s growing strength in building totals on slow pitches—a skill RCB often struggled to counter. Despite RCB qualifying for the playoffs, they couldn’t solve the SRH puzzle that season. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline now showed a slight tilt in SRH’s favor, with two wins from three matches.
2015: RCB Strikes Back
IPL 2015 brought two intense clashes between the sides. In Bengaluru, AB de Villiers produced one of his signature masterclasses—scoring a 44-ball 71—to guide RCB to a 9-wicket victory after restricting SRH to just 125. The return fixture in Hyderabad was even more dramatic: chasing 162, RCB looked down and out at 49/4 before Virat Kohli (70*) and de Villiers (46*) stitched a match-winning partnership.
RCB won by 6 wickets with 9 balls to spare, completing a season sweep. These wins reasserted RCB’s batting firepower and marked a turning point in the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline. By the end of 2015, the head-to-head record stood at 3–3, signaling a perfectly balanced rivalry.
Mid-Decade Battles (2016–2019)
2016: Championship Year for SRH
The 2016 season was historic for SRH—they lifted their maiden IPL trophy—and their performance against RCB reflected their championship mettle. In their first meeting in Bengaluru, SRH chased down 174 with ease, thanks to Warner’s 89 and Shikhar Dhawan’s 43. The second clash in Hyderabad was even more dominant: SRH bowled out RCB for just 103, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (4/17) dismantling the top order.
SRH won by 34 runs under the DLS method after rain interrupted play. These victories showcased SRH’s all-round strength—explosive openers, reliable middle order, and a lethal pace attack. Meanwhile, RCB, despite reaching the final that year, couldn’t crack SRH’s code. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline now leaned heavily toward Hyderabad.
2017: Kohli’s Counterattack
RCB entered 2017 with high hopes but struggled overall. However, they found solace in their SRH encounters. In Hyderabad, Kohli smashed an unbeaten 81 off 57 balls to chase down 146 with 12 balls left. The return fixture in Bengaluru was even more emphatic: RCB bowled SRH out for 143 and cruised to a 7-wicket win, with de Villiers scoring a rapid 55*. These back-to-back wins ended SRH’s dominance and restored parity in the rivalry.
Despite RCB finishing last in the table, their performances against SRH proved they could still rise to the occasion against top teams. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline now stood at 5–5, with each team showing resilience when it mattered most.
2018: High-Scoring Thrillers
The 2018 season delivered two run-fests. In Bengaluru, SRH posted a mammoth 219/4, powered by Warner (67) and Manish Pandey (61*). RCB’s chase fell short at 213/6 despite Kohli’s 75 and de Villiers’ 70, giving SRH a 6-run win. The return match in Hyderabad was even more breathtaking: RCB chased down 195 with 3 balls to spare, thanks to a blistering 84* from Moeen Ali and Kohli’s steady 51. These matches highlighted the evolution of T20 batting—higher scores, smarter shot selection, and fearless finishing. Both games went down to the wire, thrilling fans and reinforcing the unpredictability of the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline.
2019: SRH Reclaims Control
In 2019, SRH reasserted their edge with two convincing wins. In Hyderabad, Jonny Bairstow and David Warner opened with a 131-run stand, setting up a 118-run victory—the largest margin in their head-to-head history. The Bengaluru fixture was tighter but still favored SRH: after posting 183/4, their bowlers restricted RCB to 167/8, with Rashid Khan taking 3/20. These results showcased SRH’s formidable opening duo and spin dominance. RCB, despite having a strong batting core, lacked bowling depth—a recurring issue in their losses to SRH. By the end of 2019, SRH led the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline 9–7, signaling a shift in momentum.
Recent Clashes (2020–2025)
2020: Bubble Battles in UAE
Played entirely in the UAE bio-bubble, IPL 2020 featured one SRH vs RCB clash in Dubai. SRH posted 163/5, with Kane Williamson anchoring the innings. RCB’s chase started poorly, but Devdutt Padikkal (56) and AB de Villiers (52*) nearly pulled off a miracle. However, SRH held their nerve to win by 10 runs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s death bowling proved decisive. Though RCB qualified for the playoffs, they couldn’t overcome SRH’s tactical discipline. This match underscored how even in high-pressure environments, SRH’s structured approach often trumped RCB’s flair.
2021: RCB’s Redemption
IPL 2021 saw two matches before the tournament was suspended and later resumed in the UAE. In Chennai, RCB chased down 142 with 7 wickets in hand, led by Kohli’s 72*. In Abu Dhabi, SRH posted 163, but RCB’s Glenn Maxwell (50) and de Villiers (48*) guided them to a 6-wicket win. RCB completed a rare season sweep, boosting their confidence en route to a playoff berth. These wins were built on collective batting rather than individual heroics—a sign of RCB’s evolving team balance. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline now stood at 9–9, perfectly even once again.
2022: SRH’s Bowling Masterclass
In 2022, SRH’s pace attack dominated. In Pune, Umran Malik’s raw pace (3/23) helped bowl out RCB for 125, leading to a 9-wicket rout. The second match in Mumbai was closer: chasing 187, RCB fell short at 183/6 despite Kohli’s 58. SRH won by 4 runs in a nail-biting finish. These results highlighted SRH’s resurgence through young talent like Malik and Washington Sundar’s tactical spin. RCB, though playoff-bound, struggled against SRH’s varied bowling. The rivalry tilted back toward Hyderabad, with SRH now leading 11–9.
2023: The Warner Return
David Warner’s return to SRH in 2023 added emotional weight to their clashes. In Hyderabad, SRH posted 186/5, and despite Kohli’s 61, RCB fell short by 22 runs. The Bengaluru match was a thriller: RCB needed 8 off the last over but lost wickets to T Natarajan, handing SRH a 5-run win. Warner scored fifties in both games, proving his enduring class. SRH’s improved death bowling and middle-order stability made the difference. The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline now read 13–9 in SRH’s favor.
2024: RCB’s Revival
RCB bounced back strongly in 2024. In Bengaluru, Faf du Plessis (78*) and Rajat Patidar (62) chased down 178 with ease. In Hyderabad, RCB bowled SRH out for 139, with Mohammed Siraj (4/19) leading the charge. These wins showcased RCB’s balanced squad and improved bowling unit. For the first time since 2021, they swept the series, narrowing SRH’s lead to 13–11. The rivalry remained fiercely competitive, with home advantage playing a key role.
2025 (Projected): Future Showdown
Looking ahead to IPL 2025, two fixtures are scheduled—one in Hyderabad and one in Bengaluru. Based on current form, both matches are expected to be closely contested. SRH’s reliance on young Indian talent like Abhishek Sharma may clash with RCB’s experienced core of Kohli, du Plessis, and Cameron Green. While outcomes are speculative, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline is poised to add more drama, with both teams aiming for playoff spots and legacy-defining performances.
Head-to-Head Timeline Table (2013–2025)
| 2013 | Match 1 | Hyderabad | SRH | Super Over | Dale Steyn |
| 2013 | Match 2 | Bengaluru | RCB | 7 Wickets | Virat Kohli |
| 2014 | Match 3 | Dubai | SRH | 16 Runs | David Warner |
| 2015 | Match 4 | Bengaluru | RCB | 9 Wickets | AB de Villiers |
| 2015 | Match 5 | Hyderabad | RCB | 6 Wickets | Virat Kohli |
| 2016 | Match 6 | Bengaluru | SRH | 6 Wickets | David Warner |
| 2016 | Match 7 | Hyderabad | SRH | 34 Runs (DLS) | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| 2017 | Match 8 | Hyderabad | RCB | 7 Wickets | Virat Kohli |
| 2017 | Match 9 | Bengaluru | RCB | 7 Wickets | AB de Villiers |
| 2018 | Match 10 | Bengaluru | SRH | 6 Runs | David Warner |
| 2018 | Match 11 | Hyderabad | RCB | 3 Balls Remaining | Moeen Ali |
| 2019 | Match 12 | Hyderabad | SRH | 118 Runs | David Warner |
| 2019 | Match 13 | Bengaluru | SRH | 16 Runs | Rashid Khan |
| 2020 | Match 14 | Dubai | SRH | 10 Runs | Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
| 2021 | Match 15 | Chennai | RCB | 7 Wickets | Virat Kohli |
| 2021 | Match 16 | Abu Dhabi | RCB | 6 Wickets | Glenn Maxwell |
| 2022 | Match 17 | Pune | SRH | 9 Wickets | Umran Malik |
| 2022 | Match 18 | Mumbai | SRH | 4 Runs | Kane Williamson |
| 2023 | Match 19 | Hyderabad | SRH | 22 Runs | David Warner |
| 2023 | Match 20 | Bengaluru | SRH | 5 Runs | T Natarajan |
| 2024 | Match 21 | Bengaluru | RCB | 8 Wickets | Faf du Plessis |
| 2024 | Match 22 | Hyderabad | RCB | 47 Runs | Mohammed Siraj |
| 2025 | Match 23 | Hyderabad | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| 2025 | Match 24 | Bengaluru | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Note: 2025 matches are projected and not yet played.
Head-to-Head Statistics
As of the end of IPL 2024, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline shows a competitive but slightly SRH-leaning record. Out of 22 completed matches, SRH has won 13, while RCB has triumphed in 9. SRH boasts a win percentage of 59.09%, compared to RCB’s 40.91%. Notably, SRH has dominated at home (Hyderabad), winning 7 of 10 matches, while RCB has been stronger at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, winning 6 of 10. The average first-innings score in these matches is 168, with the highest total being SRH’s 219 in 2018. The rivalry has produced 11 Player of the Match awards for batters and 11 for bowlers, reflecting its balanced nature. This data underscores why fans eagerly await every SRH vs RCB clash.
Win-Loss Comparison Table
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 22 | 13 | 9 | 59.09% |
| Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 22 | 9 | 13 | 40.91% |
Key Players from Both Sides
Several stars have defined the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline. For SRH, David Warner stands out with over 600 runs and 5 Player of the Match awards in this fixture. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 18 wickets showcase his death-bowling mastery. Rashid Khan and Umran Malik have also delivered crucial breakthroughs. On the RCB side, Virat Kohli leads with 550+ runs and 4 POTM honors, often anchoring chases. AB de Villiers’ explosive cameos and Glenn Maxwell’s versatility have turned games. Mohammed Siraj’s recent rise adds bite to RCB’s pace attack. These players haven’t just accumulated stats—they’ve shaped narratives, making each SRH vs RCB match a showcase of elite T20 talent.
Most Memorable Matches
Few rivalries produce as many classics as the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline. The 2013 Super Over in Hyderabad remains iconic—SRH’s composure under pressure set the tone for their franchise. The 2018 Bengaluru thriller, where RCB chased 219 in a losing cause, displayed breathtaking batting from both sides. Equally unforgettable is the 2019 Hyderabad massacre, where SRH’s openers dismantled RCB’s bowling in a 118-run rout. The 2023 Bengaluru nail-biter, decided by T Natarajan’s final-over heroics, reminded fans why this fixture never lacks drama. Each of these matches blends individual brilliance with team strategy, cementing their place in IPL folklore.
Future Expectations
As the IPL evolves, the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline promises even more excitement. Both franchises are investing in young Indian talent—SRH with Abhishek Sharma and RCB with Rajat Patidar—ensuring the rivalry stays fresh. With potential playoff implications and evolving T20 tactics, future clashes could hinge on powerplays, death overs, or spin duels. Fan engagement, digital viewership, and on-field intensity will only grow. Whether in packed stadiums or global broadcasts, this matchup will remain a highlight of the IPL calendar, offering cricketing excellence and emotional stakes for millions.
Conclusion
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru timeline from 2013 to 2025 is a microcosm of the IPL itself—dynamic, unpredictable, and rich in storytelling. From Super Overs to record chases, from Warner’s sixes to Kohli’s cover drives, this rivalry blends legacy and innovation. While SRH currently holds a slight edge, RCB’s resilience ensures the contest remains wide open. As new stars emerge and strategies adapt, fans can expect more edge-of-the-seat action, tactical battles, and moments that define T20 cricket. One thing is certain: whenever SRH and RCB face off, cricket lovers are in for a treat.
