SRH vs RR Head-to-Head: Sunrisers Hyderabad hold the edge against Rajasthan Royals in IPL rivalry

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) are set to reignite their rivalry as they clash in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season on Sunday at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The two teams have faced off 20 times in the IPL, with SRH holding a slight advantage, having won 11 matches compared to RR’s 9 victories.
The history between these two teams has always promised fierce competition, often featuring thrilling performances from star players. RR, the inaugural IPL champions in 2008, have reached the final only once since their maiden triumph, finishing as runners-up in 2022.
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In contrast, SRH, who joined the league in 2013, clinched their first and only title in 2016 and have played two more finals since then. Both teams had strong campaigns in 2024, with SRH finishing as runners-up after losing to Kolkata Knight Riders in the final, while RR secured third place, losing to SRH in Qualifier 2.
In their most recent encounters last season, SRH emerged victorious in both matches against RR. The first win came in a nail-biting league game, where SRH edged out RR by just one run. The second clash, in Qualifier 2, saw SRH cruising to a 36-run victory, cementing their place in the final. With this recent dominance, SRH will enter the contest with a psychological advantage.

SRH are well-equipped to make a strong start to the 2025 campaign, boasting a balanced squad featuring explosive batters like Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen. Known for posting massive totals, SRH scored over 250 runs three times last season, including a record 287 against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Abhishek Sharma's fiery form has been noteworthy, especially his blistering 135 off 54 balls against England in a T20I earlier this year. The return of India all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy from injury further bolsters their line-up.
On the bowling front, SRH have a formidable pace duo in captain Pat Cummins and Mohammed Shami, complemented by experienced spinner Adam Zampa. With a favourable pitch expected at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH will back themselves to set or chase a daunting total.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals face significant challenges, including the absence of skipper Sanju Samson due to a finger injury, leaving young batter Riyan Parag to lead in the initial games. The Royals will also feel the void left by Jos Buttler’s departure, though they still have power hitters like Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Rana and Yashasvi Jaiswal. England pacer Jofra Archer will spearhead their bowling attack, but the lack of depth in the bowling department could prove costly against SRH’s formidable batting line-up.
With SRH’s superior recent record and the Royals grappling with key absences, the Hyderabad-based franchise appears better poised for success in their season opener.