If you are interested in the rivalry between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), this is a complete, in-depth timeline and analysis of their head-to-head history — from early encounters to recent clashes. This article offers context, stats, standout matches, and an evolving view of how this matchup has developed over time.
Overall Head-to-Head Snapshot
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As of 2025, SRH and RR have played 21 times in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against each other. Rajasthan Royals+1
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Out of those 21 matches: SRH leads with 12 wins, while RR have won 9. Rajasthan Royals+1
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There have been no tied or no-result matches between them (as of April 2025). Sportskeeda+1
Overall, the pairing is fairly balanced, but SRH holds a slight edge in terms of win-loss record.
Year-by-Year Timeline & Key Matches
Below is a chronological timeline with major matches, turning points, and memorable performances in SRH vs RR history.
2013–2014 — Early Encounters
| Season | Match / Detail | Result / Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Apr 2013 — Jaipur | First-ever meeting between SRH & RR | RR won by 8 wickets. Left-arm pacer for RR claimed a five-wicket haul and a strong batting effort set the tone for first rivalry match. Rajasthan Royals+1 |
| 2013 (Hyderabad) | Return match at SRH home ground | SRH’s first win vs RR, by 23 runs. Showed early resilience in home conditions. Rajasthan Royals+1 |
| 2014 | Encounters at neutral or away venues | RR and SRH split matches, wins on both sides. SRH recorded a 32-run win at one venue. ProBatsman+1 |
These early years set the groundwork: both teams claimed wins, and no side dominated — the rivalry began even.
2015–2019 — Competitive Middle Years
During this period, a mix of victories went both ways, with matches often being close and competitive.
| Season | Notable Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2015 | SRH and RR traded wins — wins by both teams in different venues. ProBatsman+1 |
| 2018 (Hyderabad) | SRH recorded a comfortable win by 9 wickets versus RR. ProBatsman+1 |
| 2018 (Jaipur) | Close game — SRH won by 11 runs in away conditions. Sportskeeda+1 |
| 2019 | Split results — SRH won at home by 5 wickets; RR returned with a win in the away leg by 7 wickets. ProBatsman+1 |
This era showed that regardless of venue, adaptability, form, and clutch performances kept the rivalry alive and uncertain.
2020–2021 — Neutral Venues & Changing Dynamics
With shifts in tournament venues and changing team compositions, SRH and RR faced each other in neutral or foreign-venue matches. Even in challenging conditions, the rivalry remained tight.
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2020 season: Both teams claimed one win each against the other. ProBatsman+1
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2021 (Dubai): SRH managed a 7-wicket win in one leg. The match highlighted adaptability of SRH’s batting line-up at neutral venues. ProBatsman+1
Neutral-venue games tested team depth, conditions adaptation, and strategic strength rather than home comfort advantage.
2022–2023 — Renewed Rivalry, Mixed Results
These years featured fluctuating fortunes, with competitive matches and large-margin wins on both sides.
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2022 (Pune): RR won a convincing 61-run victory. ProBatsman+1
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2023 (Hyderabad): RR posted a strong total, won by 72 runs — their biggest margin against SRH at that venue. Rajasthan Royals+1
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2023 (Jaipur): SRH responded with a 4-wicket win away, proving that home-away advantage remained volatile. ProBatsman+1
These seasons demonstrated that neither side had a secure grip over the rivalry — performances and match-day execution weighed more than history.
2024 — High Stakes & Dramatic Matches
The 2024 season delivered some of the most thrilling SRH vs RR matches yet.
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2 May 2024 (Hyderabad): SRH won by just 1 run — one of the narrowest finishes in rivalry history. SportsF1+1
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24 May 2024 (Qualifier 2, Chennai): High-stakes playoff match. SRH posted 175/9; RR failed to chase, giving SRH a 36-run win and a path to the final. IPL+1
That 2024 playoff win added psychological weight to SRH’s edge. Coming through under pressure in knockout context elevated the rivalry beyond just regular-season clashes.
2025 — Latest Encounter and Recent Trends
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23 March 2025 (Hyderabad): SRH scored 286/6 and then defended effectively. RR posted 242/6 but fell short — SRH won by 44 runs. IPLT20Stats+
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The 286 by SRH is among the highest totals the team has put up in this rivalry. Sportskeeda+1
As of 2025, SRH maintained their lead in overall head-to-head record. Their ability to post big totals and defend them gave them a renewed advantage.

Patterns & Statistical Highlights Over Rivalry
From two decades of clashes, some clear patterns and records emerge:
🔹 Slight Overall Edge for SRH
Out of 21 matches, SRH’s 12 wins vs RR’s 9 gives them a modest advantage. While not dominant, it demonstrates consistency. Rajasthan Royals+1
🔹 High-Scoring Matches Have Become More Common
Recent innings reflect stronger batting lineups and aggressive T20 batting strategies. For example, SRH’s 286/6 in 2025 is a testament to modern run-heavy trends.
🔹 Tight Finishes Increase Rivalry Drama
Matches like the 1-run win in 2024 or close chases under pressure highlight how small moments — a dropped catch, a tight over, a late boundary — can swing results dramatically. Fans remember these.
🔹 Playoff Pressure Amplifies Rivalry Significance
The 2024 Qualifier 2 showdown between SRH and RR wasn’t just another game — it was a direct ticket to the final. That context elevated the rivalry beyond regular group stages.
🔹 Venue & Conditions Matter Less with Balanced Squads
Whether AA Julia Dubai, neutral stadium, home or away, both teams have found ways to win. With shifting home-away advantages, match-day form and team balance matter more than venue history.
what Makes SRH vs RR Rivalry Interesting for Fans and Analysts
This matchup captures multiple layers that make for compelling sport:
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Balanced history — no team has overwhelming dominance, so each game feels unpredictable.
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Shifting strategies — from cautious early innings to modern aggressive T20 batting.
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Star matchups — when iconic players from both sides clash, performances matter (batting depth, bowling variety, death-over skill).
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High-stakes impact — especially when playoffs or qualifiers are involved; those matches often become classic memories.
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Adaptive teams — both SRH and RR have undergone squad changes, but both have maintained enough depth to stay competitive across conditions.
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Drama & emotion — narrow wins, collapses under pressure, record-breaking innings — rivalry brings emotional engagement beyond statistics.
For spectators, analysts, and even fantasy-cricket players, this rivalry remains high-value because each match carries uncertainty and entertainment promise.
Looking Ahead — What Future SRH vs RR Matches Might Bring
Given the evolving nature of IPL, team compositions, and modern T20 strategy, upcoming fixtures between SRH and RR are likely to offer:
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Aggressive batting performances with high run totals
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Dynamic bowling and death-over battles with shifting expertise
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Young talents debuting vs experienced players defending legacy
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High-pressure playoff clashes where small margins decide winners
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Matchups where conditions, toss, and strategy shift outcomes unpredictably
If both teams invest in all-round balance and avoid over-dependence on a few stars, future matches could lean even more competitive and unpredictable.
Summary — What This Timeline Tells Us
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The SRH vs RR rivalry is fairly balanced — no dominance, no underdog monopoly.
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SRH holds a slight overall edge, especially with clutch wins under pressure.
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Recent years show a shift toward high-scoring matches, aggressive batting, and tighter finishes.
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Playoff clashes add extra weight, making rivalry games more than just league fixtures.
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For fans and analysts, this matchup remains among the most unpredictable yet entertaining in the IPL calendar.
Whenever you see “Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals” on the schedule, expect a game that could turn on a single delivery, one strategic decision, or a moment of brilliance. History tells us — it often does.