Over the years, cricket fans have seen countless rivalries unfold in the Indian Premier League, but few manage to strike the perfect balance between intensity, drama, and unpredictability quite like Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad. While it may not be the oldest rivalry in the tournament, it has certainly carved out a special place in the hearts of cricket fans, thanks largely to the unforgettable 2016 IPL final. That clash didn’t just decide a champion, it gave Sunrisers Hyderabad their maiden title and set the tone for a rivalry that continues to deliver edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
Since then, every encounter between these two sides has carried an added sense of anticipation. From explosive batting performances to nail-biting finishes, this fixture has evolved into one of the most exciting matchups in the IPL calendar. In this blog, we take you through the journey of this rivalry, breaking down the head-to-head stats, revisiting key moments, and reliving the iconic 2016 final that changed everything. So, let’s get started!
RCB vs SRH in Numbers:
|
Stats |
RCB |
SRH |
|
Matches Played |
27 |
27 |
|
Won |
12 |
14 |
|
Lost |
14 |
12 |
|
No Result |
1 |
1 |
|
Highest Score |
262 |
287 |
|
Lowest Score |
68 |
125 |
While the IPL started in 2008, SRH was introduced as a team in IPL 2013 as a potential DC replacement, so this is where we will be starting our journey. Of all the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru matches in the IPL, the very first RCB vs SRH head-to-head ended in a draw, and the final result had to be decided via a Super Over. Let’s take a look at how the season’s games played out:
Although KKR won IPL 2014, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad rivalry had already started to heat up by now, and quite expectedly, there were several electrifying performances this season as well. Both teams fielded star players like Virat Kohli, AB de Villiers, David Warner, etc, just to name a few, and they played several memorable innings as well. Let’s take a look at the results:
By this point, the fixture had already evolved to be one that fans looked forward to, and while star power was one thing, it was the cricketing finesse that defined SRH vs RCB head to head. Here’s how the 2015 Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad season went:
Finally, this is the season where it all went down! 2016 SRH vs RCB saw the teams lock horns thrice this season, and while the SRH vs RCB 2016 league matches were interesting, it was the bombastic SRH vs RCB 2016 final that helped SRH lift the IPL title for the very first time. The 2016 RCB vs SRH final was quite the spectacle, and players like Chris Gayle, David Warner, and Ben Cutting lit up the M Chinnaswamy Stadium like never before. Here’s how things went:
After writing history in the RCB SRH 2016 final, 2017’s Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru stats were pretty limited as the teams only met for a single match, and the second match was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. Here’s the scoreline:
A pretty simple season for both teams, RCB vs SRH head-to-head in 2018 was in a smooth balance, as each one of them won one tie each. Here are the matches:
When it comes to big margin victories, the first SRH vs RCB head-to-head match was just that. Sunrisers Hyderabad had already established their dominance as a side that featured one of the strongest batting line-ups. The team featured batters like Jonny Bairstow, David Warner, and Yusuf Pathan, besides others, and the performances were certainly worth the hype. Here’s how it went down:
A new season, a new decade, and a ravaging pandemic devastating the globe! The 2020 IPL was played out in the UAE in a secure bubble, and there were 3 SRH vs RCB head-to-heads that year: 2 league games and one in the play-offs! Let’s take a look:
Like the 2020 season, IPL 2021 was affected by the pandemic as well, and while the initial matches were played in India, the event later moved to the UAE for the rest of the season. Just like the 2016 RCB vs SRH games, we got to witness some absolute bangers in the 2021 season as well. Here’s how it went:
As the world gradually nursed itself back to normal, the IPL returned to India once again, and like all good old rivalries, SRH and RCB were back at it again. With one win for each of the teams, they led a pretty balanced campaign once again, and we didn’t witness another thriller like the 2016 SRH vs RCB from them this season. Let’s take a quick look:
The 2023 IPL season saw the introduction of the group concept, something which meant that SRH vs RCB head-to-head took place only once that year. Here’s how it played out:
In this season of the IPL, SRH had a solid chance of lifting their second IPL trophy, but a one-sided match against KKR in the finals meant that they are stuck with their solitary 2016 trophy. As far as RCB vs SRH head-to-head goes, here’s a look:
2025:
The 2025 IPL season proved to be a momentous one for RCB as they won their maiden title. RCB faced off with SRH only once that year, and here’s how it went:
The very first game of the 2026 IPL season was played between RCB and SRH. Here is the outcome:
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As we continue to follow the IPL season at Vi, one thing remains certain: whenever Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad, fans can expect nothing short of a spectacle. This rivalry has grown from a promising matchup into a full-fledged blockbuster, delivering unforgettable moments year after year. Whether it’s record-breaking totals, standout individual performances, or high-pressure chases, SRH vs RCB never fails to entertain.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season has already given us a thrilling start, and there’s plenty more action to come. If you don’t want to miss a single moment of this electrifying rivalry, we’ve got you covered. With Vi’s seamless connectivity and plans that offer access to JioHotstar, you can stream every boundary, wicket, and last-over finish without interruptions. So, gear up, stay connected, and experience the excitement of IPL cricket like never before, because with Vi, you’re always in the middle of the action.
Love analysing IPL rivalries? Check out IPL: CSK vs PBKS Head to Head Stats! to explore one of the closest contests in the league, with PBKS slightly edging CSK 17–16 in 33 matches. From high-scoring games to tight finishes, this rivalry is always exciting. You can also dive into IPL: RCB vs KKR Head to Head Stats! to see how these two teams compare and uncover key trends from their past encounters. 🏏
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