The contest between Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru has proven to be one of the most entertaining rivalries in the history of Indian Premier League. Two teams with powerful lineups, rabid fan bases and exciting gameplay. SRH vs RCB has provided a lot in terms of memories over the years – close finishes, big-scoring encounters and an IPL final contest still vivid in memory banks.
The SRH vs RCB rivalry is one of the most followed rivalries in IPL. This timeline delves into what makes the SRH and RCB rivalry so significant – iconic matches, records, memorable performances and head-to-head history.
Beginning of the Rivalry (2013)
The Deccan Chargers had their franchise replaced by Sunrisers Hyderabad when they entered the IPL in 2013. Their first-ever season immediately generated interest because they came up against mighty teams such as Royal Challengers Bengaluru which already had superstars like Virat Kohli and Chris Gayle.
RB vs SRH, 1st of IPL/IPL History: The F. The match was so closely contested it resulted in a Super Over, the start of signs to an intense rivalry. The season subsequently ended with RCB winning another match at Bengaluru powered by solid batting performances.
It was these first meetings that created the rivalry between two franchises.
2014 Season – SRH Become Stronger
The rivalry has since been more even, especially as the two sides entered IPL 2014. By then SRH had their attack in place, led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dale Steyn.
The two teams met twice:
- At Bengaluru, RCB won one match.
- SRH hit back with a win in Hyderabad.
SRH were not the underdogs anymore and that became crystal clear this season. Royal Challengers Bangalore made a start and looked like they were going to run away with the game, however MI did manage to pick up some maidens through their disciplined bowling that meant life was not easy for RCB’s strong batting attack.
2015 – Rise of David Warner Era
It was 2015, an aggressive batting era of SRH under David Warner. The team was transformed by Warner’s fearless captaincy and aggressive batting style.
During the 2015 season:
RCB would be blown away, with SRH conceding heavily in Bangalore.
However, RCB won the reverse fixture a couple of days later in Hyderabad.
The rivalry began to attract attention as fans relished the contest between Warner and Kohli, both of whom were two of the top stars in the IPL at that time.
2016 – The greatest IPL final
2016 still makes for the largest chapter in the chronicle of SRH vs RCB. Both sides were in scintillating form all season.
League Stage Matches
- RCB vs SRH (2 League Matches)
- RCB has won a game in Bengaluru.
- Once again, SRH v Hyderabad.
But the real drama during the IPL final was yet to come.
SRH Make History | IPL 2016 Final
Final Match IPL 2016: SRH vs RCB, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru With Virat Kohli scoring the most runs in IPL history (more than 900), RCB had a huge momentum leading into the final.
SRH won the toss and batted first, scoring a mammoth 208. A captain knock was played by David Warner with a stellar innings of his own.
Yes, RCB cruised in the chase with an explosive start from Chris Gayle and Kohli. However, the laws of capitulation were prevailed by SRH bowlers in the middle overs. SRH eventually claimed the last match by 8 runs and lifted their initial IPL trophy.
The final is one of the best matches in IPL history, and the defining moment in the SRH vs RCB rivalry.
2017 – SRH Continue Dominance
SRH were also excellent against RCB in IPL 2017 with that G (s) coming to visit
- Rain washed out one match.
- SRH won another match comfortably.
Despite possessing several players with a wealth of experience, RCB failed to deliver in this campaign. Result – SRH painfully outclass the RR bowling unit again
2018 – Close Encounters
The 2018 season produced two memorable games between the teams.
Match 1 – Hyderabad
This reprised a challenge from SRH where they defended another low total, winning by just 5 runs. Bowlers kept composure under pressure.
Match 2 – Bengaluru
The match was an exciting one, with RCB winning the game by 14 runs.
It proved how closely contested the rivalry had become and resulted in many extremely tight calls.
2019 – SRH’s Massive Victory
A very strong performance in the rivalry was seen during IPL 2019.
SRH defeated RCB by 118 runs at Hyderabad With bat in hand Jonny Bairstow and David Warner brutalised the RCB bowlers.
But, later RCB bounced back to beat SRH in Bengaluru.
The 2019 season taught fans this rivalry is capable of swinging a wide arc in either direction.
2020 – SRH Eliminate RCB
The pandemic forced IPL 2020 to be played in the UAE. They met three times in the regular season.
- RCB won the league-stage opener.
- The second league match was won by SRH.
- SRH won the Eliminator against RCB once again.
The Eliminator match was significant as it ensured RCB raced out of the tournament. Kane Williamson scored a calm and match-winning effort for SRH.
The outcome reinforced the perception that SRH always rose to the occasion while playing against RCB.
2021 – Nail-Biting Finish
The 2021 season brought another instant classic.
The first match was won by 6 runs and the second match after FC chased down successfully, SRH did it with FC. These narrow wins illustrated how fierce the rivalry had become.
RCB: Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers : RCB during this stage has been successful thanks to responsible performance by Glen Maxwell & AB de Villiers.
2022 – Balanced Results
Both teams have faced each other once a time in the IPL 2022, with one win for both sides.
- In one of these matches, SRH had outclassed their opponent by 9 wickets.
- Later in the season, RCB won convincingly by 67 runs.
Both franchises began testing out young players, giving the rivalry new life. n n
2023 – Kohli Masterclass
ALSO READ | IPL 2023: This Virat Kohli hundred in Hyderabad vs SRH was one of the best things to happen this season
RCB chased down the target with ease and won by 8 wickets. Virat Kohli’s innings was all of what we expect from him and a reminder why he still is in the conversation of one of the greatest IPL Players ever.
This match very quickly became the most hyped game of the season.
2024 – High-Scoring Drama
There were two entertaining matches between CSK and RCB in the IPL 2024 season.
First Match – Bengaluru
Markram scored 12 fours and 4 sixes.SRH created a record in IPL as they made the fourth highest total ever and beat RCB by 25 runs. Their batting order was too ruthless for the opposition.
Second Match – Hyderabad
After that, RCB bounced back very well and put SRH back in their place by 35 runs. RCB batting unit carried him brilliantly Further dominated by the Indian captain
Both teams showed in the 2024 season that they had been transformed into big batting outfits a long way past going the distance.
Head-to-Head Record
According to recent IPL statistics, SRH and RCB have played more than 25 matches against each other. SRH currently hold a slight advantage in total wins.
Overall Stats
| Record | SRH | RCB |
| Matches Played | 26 | 26 |
| Wins | 13 | 12 |
| No Result | 1 | 1 |
The rivalry remains extremely close despite SRH holding a narrow edge.
Great Players in SRH vs RCB fight
Virat Kohli
FC Kohli has scored some of the most breath-taking (and high-scoring) innings against SRH, and continues to be one of the highest run-scorer in this rivalry.
David Warner
For many years, he decimated RCB bowling attacks and saw SRH through to their famous title win in 2016.
AB de Villiers
ABD had even scored some stunning innings against SRH and also mesmerised with few innovative strokes.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
His swing bowling always kept troubling RCBs top order.
Why This Rivalry Is Special
The SRH vs RCB rivalry is different from most rivalries since both teams are from cricket loving cities of South India. Matches between them often feature:
Huge totals
- World-class batting
- Dramatic finishes
- Superstar players
- Playoff pressure
For fans, the competitive spirit also recalls the awe-inspiring IPL 2016 finale which remains to date one of the finest title matches in IPL history.
Recent Developments in IPL 2026
The rivalry continues strongly in IPL 2026, with both franchises once again competing for playoff positions. Recent reports suggest that both teams are among the top contenders this season.
Learn more: Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline || Delhi Capitals vs Rajasthan Royals Timeline || Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
Conclusion
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- The most entertaining rivalry in the IPL? Both teams have created so many wonderful memories for cricket fans from the super overs to that epic 2016 IPL final.
Head-to-head, SRH have had the slightest of edges over RCB, but there has been no shortage of memorable performances from celebrities like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers for RCB. SRH vs RCB is one of the most awaited fixtures in the IPL Calendar as every season adds a new chapter to this rivalry.