Sunrisers Hyderabad Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
When we talk about the most thrilling rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL), the battle between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) undoubtedly stands out. From last-over finishes to high-stakes playoff encounters, these two franchises have delivered unforgettable moments that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Legendary performances from players such as Shreyas Iyer, Jaydev Unadkat, Eshan Malinga, and Travis Head, combined with contributions from bowlers like Harsh Dubey and Anrich Nortje, have made this rivalry one of the most exciting in IPL history.
Their encounters at iconic stadiums such as the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, Eden Gardens in Kolkata, and the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad have often been showcase matches, demonstrating strategic brilliance, explosive batting, and tactical bowling. While SRH has had its moments of brilliance, KKR has often held the upper hand, creating a competitive edge that keeps fans returning season after season.
Let’s dive into their head-to-head timeline, highlight key moments, and analyze their past performances.
Table of Contents
Head-to-Head Record: SRH vs KKR
Here’s a quick look at the overall win-loss stats between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Matches Played | SRH Wins | KKR Wins | No Result | Last Encounter Winner
26 | 9 | 17 | 0 | KKR
Year-wise Match Timeline: SRH vs KKR
Year | Matches Played | KKR Wins | SRH Wins | Notes
2013 | 2 | 1 | 1 | SRH debut season
2014 | 2 | 2 | 0 | KKR won both easily
2015 | 2 | 2 | 0 | Dominance by KKR
2016 | 3 | 2 | 1 | SRH won Eliminator, featuring Rinku Singh in a crucial match against the spinner. It was a great time for SRH fans to celebrate such a significant victory.
2017 | 3 | 2 | 1 | KKR knocked out SRH in playoffs in Australia, an impressive performance by the teams from India, showcasing their skills throughout the entire season one last time.
2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | One match won in Super Over against England
2019 | 2 | 1 | 1 | Evenly matched – Sri Lanka versus West Indies
2020 | 2 | 2 | 0 | One match won in Super Over
2021 | 2 | 2 | 0 | KKR dominated both games
2022 | 2 | 1 | 1 | SRH bounced back
2023 | 2 | 2 | 0 | KKR’s clean sweep
2024 | 2 | 2 | 0 | KKR won both league games
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders Timeline
2013–2015: Early Encounters
SRH entered the IPL in 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers, and immediately faced challenges against established franchises like KKR.
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2013: Both teams won one match each, signaling a balanced rivalry in SRH’s debut season.
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2014-15: KKR asserted dominance, winning all matches against SRH. Their powerful batting line-up and disciplined bowling made it difficult for SRH to gain momentum.
Despite the early losses, these matches laid the foundation for a competitive rivalry that would intensify in later seasons.
2016–2018: Rise of SRH
SRH’s rise began in 2016, culminating in their maiden IPL title. The team showcased remarkable performances, particularly in high-pressure games:
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In league matches, KKR maintained an edge, but SRH delivered a memorable playoff victory in the Eliminator, knocking out KKR.
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2017-18: The results were mixed, with SRH gaining slight momentum but KKR often securing crucial wins.
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2018 Playoffs: KKR defeated SRH in Qualifier 2, preventing them from reaching the final.
This period highlighted the growing intensity of the rivalry, with SRH showing flashes of brilliance but KKR maintaining consistency.
2019–2021: Nail-biters and Close Finishes
These years saw some of the most thrilling SRH vs KKR encounters:
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2020: KKR won a Super Over thriller, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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SRH struggled to maintain consistency against KKR’s explosive batting line-up.
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Matches were often decided in the final over, showcasing the competitive balance between the teams.
2022–2024: KKR Dominates Again
KKR regained dominance in recent seasons:
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2023 & 2024: KKR won back-to-back league matches, showcasing depth in batting and bowling.
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SRH found it challenging to contain KKR’s heavy-hitting line-up and spin attack.
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Despite SRH’s efforts, KKR’s strategic gameplay and star performers continued to secure victories.
Key Players Over the Years
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
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David Warner – Top scorer and consistent performer.
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Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Lead bowler with key wickets in crucial matches.
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Kane Williamson – Middle-order anchor and calm under pressure.
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Rashid Khan (till 2021) – Match-winning spin bowler, often decisive in tight games.
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Shreyas Iyer & Travis Head – Provided crucial batting contributions in later seasons.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
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Andre Russell – Explosive all-rounder; game-changer in batting and bowling.
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Sunil Narine – Economical bowler and powerplay destroyer.
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Shubman Gill (till 2022) – Dependable opening batsman.
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Varun Chakravarthy – Spin weapon in middle overs.
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Venkatesh Iyer & Eshan Malinga – Added depth to batting and bowling line-ups.
Key Players Over the Years
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
- David Warner – Top scorer in many matches.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar – Consistent wicket-taker.
- Kane Williamson – Anchor in middle overs.
- Rashid Khan (till 2021) – Match-winner with spin.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Andre Russell – Game-changer with bat and ball.
- Sunil Narine – Powerplay destructor and economical bowler.
- Shubman Gill (till 2022) – Consistent opening batsman.
- Varun Chakravarthy – Spin weapon in middle overs.
SRH vs KKR: Fun Stats & Records
Record Type | Player/Team | Stat
Highest Individual Score | David Warner (SRH) | 126*
Best Bowling Figures | Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 5/19
Highest Team Total | KKR | 209/7
Lowest Team Total | SRH | 115 all out
Most Sixes in a Match | Andre Russell (KKR) | 9 sixes
Recent Match Summary: 2024
Date | Venue | Winner | Key Performer
May 10, 2024 | Eden Gardens | KKR | Venkatesh Iyer (85 runs)
April 3, 2024 | Rajiv Gandhi Stadium | KKR | Narine (3 wickets)
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many times has SRH defeated KKR?
- A. As of 2024, Sunrisers Hyderabad has defeated Kolkata Knight Riders 9 times.
- Who has the upper hand in the SRH vs KKR timeline?
- A. Kolkata Knight Riders lead the head-to-head battle with 17 wins out of 26 matches.
- What’s the biggest win margin in SRH vs KKR history?
- A. KKR once defeated SRH by a massive margin of 48 runs in 2019.
Analysis of the Rivalry
The SRH vs KKR timeline is more than just a record of wins and losses—it reflects evolving strategies, emerging talent, and the thrill of IPL cricket. Some key insights include:
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High-Stakes Matches: Many encounters were playoff games, where pressure brought out memorable performances from stars like David Warner, Andre Russell, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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Last-Over Finishes: The rivalry is known for matches decided in the final overs, adding suspense and excitement.
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Emerging Talent: Over the years, young players like Shubman Gill, Travis Head, and Venkatesh Iyer have risen to become match-winners.
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Bowling Mastery: Both teams have produced iconic bowling moments, from Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s swing to Varun Chakravarthy’s spin magic.
Final Thoughts
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline is a testament to the competitive spirit of the IPL. From early KKR dominance to SRH’s playoff victories and thrilling last-over finishes, this rivalry continues to captivate fans. With emerging talent and seasoned stars, every SRH vs KKR match promises drama, strategy, and entertainment.
As the IPL evolves, this rivalry will remain a highlight, producing unforgettable moments and showcasing some of the best cricket the league has to offer. Whether you are a fan of explosive batting, tactical bowling, or nail-biting finishes, the SRH vs KKR clashes are a must-watch, season after season.
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Kolkata Knight Riders timeline reflects not just scores, but a battle of evolving strategies, key players rising to the occasion, and unforgettable moments that define the IPL legacy. With new talent coming in and seasoned players stepping up, this rivalry is only going to get more exciting in the coming seasons.