The rivalry between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one that has captured the imagination of cricket fans over the years. With both teams boasting some of the biggest names in cricket, their matches have often been intense, closely fought, and full of drama. In this article, we will delve into the head-to-head record, key player performances, and the strategies employed by both teams.
Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Stats
Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad have faced each other numerous times since SRH’s inception in 2013. Below is a detailed breakdown of each encounter, including the score and outcome:
| Match Number | Date | Venue | RCB Score | SRH Score | Winner | Margin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 07/04/2013 | Hyderabad | 130/8 (20 overs) | 130/7 (20 overs) | SRH | Super Over |
| 2 | 09/04/2013 | Bangalore | 162/6 (20 overs) | 161/6 (20 overs) | RCB | 7 wickets |
| 3 | 04/05/2014 | Bangalore | 160/6 (20 overs) | 161/5 (20 overs) | SRH | 7 wickets |
| 4 | 20/05/2014 | Hyderabad | 148/5 (20 overs) | 142/9 (20 overs) | RCB | 6 runs |
| 5 | 13/04/2015 | Bangalore | 166/3 (20 overs) | 154/6 (20 overs) | RCB | 8 wickets |
| 6 | 15/05/2015 | Hyderabad | 227/4 (20 overs) | 182/6 (20 overs) | SRH | 45 runs |
| 7 | 12/04/2016 | Bangalore | 227/4 (20 overs) | 182/6 (20 overs) | RCB | 45 runs |
| 8 | 29/05/2016 | Bangalore | 208/7 (20 overs) | 200/7 (20 overs) | SRH | 8 runs |
| 9 | 25/04/2017 | Hyderabad | 207/4 (20 overs) | 172/9 (20 overs) | SRH | 35 runs |
| 10 | 07/05/2018 | Hyderabad | 164/3 (20 overs) | 167/8 (20 overs) | SRH | 5 runs |
| 11 | 17/05/2018 | Bangalore | 218/6 (20 overs) | 204/3 (20 overs) | RCB | 14 runs |
| 12 | 31/03/2019 | Hyderabad | 231/2 (20 overs) | 113/10 (19.5 overs) | SRH | 118 runs |
| 13 | 04/05/2019 | Bangalore | 175/7 (20 overs) | 178/4 (20 overs) | SRH | 6 wickets |
| 14 | 21/09/2020 | Dubai | 163/5 (20 overs) | 153/10 (20 overs) | RCB | 10 runs |
| 15 | 31/10/2020 | Sharjah | 120/7 (20 overs) | 121/5 (14.1 overs) | SRH | 5 wickets |
| 16 | 05/10/2021 | Abu Dhabi | 137/6 (20 overs) | 141/7 (20 overs) | SRH | 4 runs |
| 17 | 06/11/2021 | Sharjah | 137/6 (20 overs) | 141/7 (20 overs) | SRH | 4 runs |
Table of Contents
Match 1: 07/04/2013 – Hyderabad
The very first encounter between these two teams set the tone for what would become a fierce rivalry. RCB, batting first, struggled to get going and managed only 130/8 in their 20 overs. However, SRH also found it difficult to score and ended up with 130/7. The match went into a Super Over, where SRH edged out RCB to secure their first win against them.
Match 2: 09/04/2013 – Bangalore
In the return fixture, RCB managed to chase down a target of 162 set by SRH with 7 wickets in hand. Virat Kohli led the charge with a well-compiled innings, ensuring that RCB got their first victory over SRH in their home ground.
Match 3: 04/05/2014 – Bangalore
The 2014 season saw another thrilling encounter. SRH, chasing a modest target of 160, secured a 7-wicket victory, thanks to a solid performance from their middle order. This match highlighted SRH’s ability to perform under pressure.
Match 4: 20/05/2014 – Hyderabad
In the second fixture of the 2014 season, RCB managed to defend a total of 148 runs, winning the match by a narrow margin of 6 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal was the star with the ball, taking crucial wickets at the right time.
Match 5: 13/04/2015 – Bangalore
RCB began the 2015 season on a high note against SRH, successfully chasing down a target of 155 with 8 wickets to spare. AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli formed a formidable partnership, ensuring a comfortable win for their team.
Match 6: 15/05/2015 – Hyderabad
In a high-scoring match, SRH posted an imposing 227/4, and in response, RCB could only manage 182/6, losing the match by 45 runs. David Warner’s explosive innings at the top was the highlight of this encounter.
Match 7: 12/04/2016 – Bangalore
RCB exacted revenge for their previous defeat by posting a massive 227/4, with Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers both scoring heavily. SRH, despite a spirited effort, fell short by 45 runs.
Match 8: 29/05/2016 – Bangalore (Final)
The IPL 2016 final saw these two teams face off in a thrilling encounter. SRH posted 208/7, and despite a valiant effort by RCB, they fell short by 8 runs, handing SRH their first IPL title. Ben Cutting’s all-round performance was the highlight of the match.
Match 9: 25/04/2017 – Hyderabad
SRH continued their dominance over RCB in 2017 by winning by 35 runs. They posted 207/4, and RCB, despite a good start, crumbled under pressure, managing only 172/9.
Match 10: 07/05/2018 – Hyderabad
In another close encounter, SRH managed to defend a total of 167, winning by just 5 runs. RCB’s batting faltered at crucial moments, leading to their defeat.
Match 11: 17/05/2018 – Bangalore
This match saw a reversal of fortunes, with RCB posting a massive 218/6 and managing to restrict SRH to 204/3, winning by 14 runs. AB de Villiers and Moeen Ali were the stars of the match for RCB.
Match 12: 31/03/2019 – Hyderabad
SRH posted their highest total against RCB, scoring 231/2, thanks to a stunning century by Jonny Bairstow. RCB, in response, could only manage 113, handing SRH a massive 118-run victory.
Match 13: 04/05/2019 – Bangalore
In a tense match, SRH chased down a target of 176 set by RCB with 6 wickets in hand. This match saw another brilliant performance by David Warner, who anchored the chase.
Match 14: 21/09/2020 – Dubai
In the first encounter of the 2020 season, RCB defended a total of 163 by bowling out SRH for 153, winning the match by 10 runs. Yuzvendra Chahal played a crucial role with the ball, picking up key wickets.
Match 15: 31/10/2020 – Sharjah
SRH avenged their earlier defeat by chasing down a modest total of 120 set by RCB. They won the match by 5 wickets, thanks to a solid batting performance by Wriddhiman Saha and Manish Pandey.
Match 16: 05/10/2021 – Abu Dhabi
In a closely fought contest, SRH managed to chase down RCB’s total of 137/6, winning by 4 runs. The match saw some tight bowling from SRH’s bowlers, who managed to defend a low total effectively.
Match 17: 06/11/2021 – Sharjah
The final encounter of the 2021 season between these two teams was a low-scoring affair. SRH, chasing a target of 138, won the match by 4 runs, with their bowlers once again playing a crucial role.
Key Player Statistics
Over the years, several players have made significant contributions in the RCB vs SRH matches. Below are the top run-scorers and wicket-takers in these encounters:
Top Run-Scorers
| Player | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Average | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli (RCB) | 17 | 570 | 122* | 38.00 | 130.21 |
| David Warner (SRH) | 17 | 614 | 126* | 41.30 | 142.76 |
| AB de Villiers (RCB) | 17 | 545 | 105* | 39.28 | 149.32 |
| Kane Williamson (SRH) | 14 | 424 | 89* | 39.58 | 126.03 |
Top Wicket-Takers
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Best Bowling Figures | Average | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yuzvendra Chahal (RCB) | 17 | 31 | 5/30 | 21.65 | 7.42 |
| Rashid Khan (SRH) | 14 | 33 | 4/18 | 19.85 | 6.53 |
| Kagiso Rabada (RCB) | 14 | 25 | 4/22 | 24.20 | 8.00 |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar (SRH) | 17 | 28 | 4/35 | 26.14 | 8.05 |
Venue Statistics
Bangalore – M. Chinnaswamy Stadium
- Total Matches: 9
- RCB Wins: 4
- SRH Wins: 5
- Average Score: 176
- Highest Team Score: 227/4 (RCB)
- Lowest Team Score: 120 (RCB)
Hyderabad – Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
- Total Matches: 8
- RCB Wins: 2
- SRH Wins: 6
- Average Score: 165
- Highest Team Score: 231/2 (SRH)
- Lowest Team Score: 113 (RCB)
Recent Performance Analysis
Royal Challengers Bangalore
2023 Season
- Matches Played: 14
- Wins: 8
- Losses: 6
- Top Scorer: Virat Kohli – 512 runs
- Top Wicket-Taker: Harshal Patel – 25 wickets
In the 2023 season, RCB displayed a balanced performance. While their batting, led by Virat Kohli, was consistent, their bowling attack, especially in the death overs, made a significant impact.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
2023 Season
- Matches Played: 14
- Wins: 6
- Losses: 8
- Top Scorer: David Warner – 530 runs
- Top Wicket-Taker: Rashid Khan – 28 wickets
SRH had a mixed 2023 season, with some standout performances but also some disappointing losses. David Warner and Rashid Khan were the key players, consistently performing in their respective departments.
Strategies and Tactics
Royal Challengers Bangalore
- Batting Approach: RCB relies heavily on their top-order batsmen, particularly Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, to provide stability and acceleration in their innings.
- Bowling Strategy: Yuzvendra Chahal has been a crucial asset in the middle overs, while Harshal Patel’s variations in the death overs have often restricted the opposition’s scoring.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
- Batting Approach: SRH’s batting strategy revolves around David Warner, who often provides explosive starts, and Kane Williamson, who adds stability in the middle order.
- Bowling Strategy: SRH’s bowling attack, led by Rashid Khan, focuses on maintaining pressure through tight lines and lengths, making it difficult for the opposition to score freely.
Conclusion
The Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Sunrisers Hyderabad rivalry has been one of the most captivating in the IPL. With each team having its strengths and star players, their encounters are always eagerly anticipated. Whether it’s the high-scoring thrillers or the nail-biting finishes, matches between RCB and SRH never fail to entertain. This detailed analysis of their head-to-head record, player performances, and strategic approaches provides a comprehensive look at what makes this rivalry so special. As the IPL continues to grow, the battles between these two giants are sure to become even more iconic.
Also read – India National Cricket Team vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard