sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline
Introduction
Few rivalries in the Indian Premier League (IPL) carry the weight, drama, and sheer unpredictability of Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings. From last-ball thrillers to dominant batting displays, every chapter of this contest has kept fans on the edge of their seats. If you’ve been searching for a detailed sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline, you’ve come to the right place.
In this comprehensive article, we walk you through every major encounter between these two powerhouse franchises — from their first meeting in 2013 all the way through the 2026 IPL season. You’ll find match-by-match results, turning-point seasons, head-to-head statistics, individual records, and a complete timeline table that covers every significant game. Whether you’re a hardcore cricket stats enthusiast or a casual fan looking to settle a debate, this sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline guide has you covered. Let’s dive into the history of one of the IPL’s most compelling matchups.
SRH vs CSK: Overview & Background
To understand the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline, it’s essential to know the origins of both franchises.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) were one of the eight original IPL teams, founded in 2008. Led for most of their history by the legendary MS Dhoni, CSK quickly became one of the most successful and consistent teams in T20 cricket, winning multiple IPL titles and earning a reputation for chasing down targets under pressure.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the IPL in 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers franchise. Owned by the Sun TV Network and initially captained by Kumar Sangakkara and later by David Warner, SRH built their identity around a world-class bowling attack and aggressive batting. Their maiden IPL title came in 2016, the very year CSK was suspended.
The rivalry took shape immediately in 2013, and over the next decade-plus, the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline has been defined by tactical battles, superstar performances, and several matches decided in the final over. CSK’s home fortress at MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) has been particularly difficult for SRH to breach, while Hyderabad’s home conditions have produced some of their best bowling performances against the Men in Yellow.
Early Era: 2013–2015
The Beginning of the Rivalry (2013)
The first entries in the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline came during IPL 2013. This was SRH’s debut season, and they faced an already-established CSK side that was a perennial playoff contender.
In their first meeting on April 12, 2013, at Hyderabad, CSK chased down a modest target and won by 5 wickets. The second encounter that season saw CSK dominate completely, winning by a massive 77 runs at Chepauk. SRH’s bowling-heavy approach struggled against the likes of Suresh Raina and Michael Hussey, who consistently found ways to score in the middle overs.
CSK’s depth and experience gave them a clear edge in these early years. SRH, still finding their identity, lacked the batting firepower to consistently challenge Dhoni’s well-oiled machine.
Growing Competitiveness (2014–2015)
The 2014 season saw the rivalry begin to even out. SRH, now featuring David Warner as their cornerstone batsman, managed to beat CSK by 6 wickets in one encounter, signaling that they could compete with the league’s best. However, CSK bounced back with a 5-wicket win of their own, maintaining their overall dominance.
By 2015, the contests were becoming more competitive. CSK won one match comfortably by 45 runs, but SRH struck back with a 22-run victory that showcased their bowling strength. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Dale Steyn were key figures for SRH during this period, regularly troubling CSK’s top order with disciplined line and length.
These early years set the foundation for what would become one of the most-watched matchups on the IPL calendar.
Mid Era: 2018–2021 (Post-Suspension Return)
CSK’s Triumphant Return (2018)
After a two-year suspension (2016–2017), CSK returned to the IPL in 2018 with a vengeance. This season is a critical chapter in the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline because the two teams met an incredible four times, including a playoff encounter.
CSK won the league-stage meetings decisively — by 4 runs, 8 wickets, and in another match by 2 wickets in a tense chase. The most dramatic meeting came in the IPL 2018 Qualifier 2, where CSK beat SRH by 8 wickets to advance to the final (which they eventually won). This stretch of results underscored CSK’s mental edge over SRH and established a pattern: in high-pressure games, Dhoni’s men found a way.
Ambati Rayudu and Shane Watson were standout performers for CSK in 2018, while Kane Williamson (the Orange Cap winner that year) kept SRH competitive with the bat.
Tight Battles and Close Finishes (2019–2021)
The 2019 season produced a fascinating split: SRH won one match by 6 wickets, and CSK responded with a 6-wicket win of their own. These closely matched results reflected how evenly the two teams were poised during this era.
2020, played in the UAE due to the pandemic, saw SRH edge a close contest by 7 runs thanks to their bowling unit. However, CSK dominated the second meeting, winning by 20 runs.
By 2021, CSK reasserted their dominance, winning both encounters — by 7 wickets and 6 wickets respectively. Ruturaj Gaikwad emerged as a key batsman for CSK during this period, while Abdul Samad and Jason Holder provided crucial contributions for SRH.
This mid-era period firmly established CSK as the stronger side in the head-to-head, but SRH’s ability to occasionally pull off upsets kept the rivalry alive and unpredictable.
Modern Era: 2022–2024
Shifting Dynamics (2022–2023)
The 2022 season brought a refreshing change to the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline. SRH, under new leadership and with a revamped squad, won one encounter by a commanding 8 wickets. CSK fought back to win the second match by 13 runs, but the balance of power appeared to be shifting.
In 2023, CSK — led brilliantly by an aging but ever-reliable MS Dhoni — won their meeting by 7 wickets, chasing down SRH’s total of 134 with clinical efficiency. CSK went on to win the IPL title that year, their fifth championship, further cementing their status as the league’s most successful franchise.
The 2024 Season: Offensive Firepower Takes Center Stage
The 2024 IPL season was a landmark year in the rivalry’s history. In their first meeting on April 5, 2024, SRH chased down 165 with 6 wickets to spare, showcasing the destructive batting lineup they had assembled, featuring Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, and Heinrich Klaasen.
However, CSK’s response in the second match on April 28, 2024 was nothing short of devastating. Batting first, CSK posted a massive 212 runs, and SRH collapsed to just 134 all out, losing by a crushing 78 runs. This match highlighted the volatility of T20 cricket and the fine margins that define the SRH-CSK rivalry.
Latest Update: 2025–2026 Season Results
The most recent chapters in the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline have been dominated by SRH, marking a significant shift in the rivalry.
2025 Season
The 2025 IPL season saw SRH claim both encounters against CSK:
- April 18, 2025: SRH posted 194/9 in a high-scoring thriller. CSK fought hard but fell short at 184/8, giving SRH a 10-run victory.
- April 25, 2025: CSK could only manage 154 all out, and SRH chased it down comfortably, reaching 155/4 to win by 5 wickets.
2026 Season
The 2026 IPL season has continued SRH’s recent dominance over CSK:
- April 18, 2026: In a closely fought contest, SRH scored 194/9 and restricted CSK to 184/8, winning by 10 runs in another high-scoring affair.
- May 18, 2026: At the MA Chidambaram Stadium, SRH chased down CSK’s total to win by 5 wickets, marking a significant away victory at Chepauk — a ground where CSK has historically been near-invincible.
This recent run of results has narrowed the overall head-to-head gap and injected fresh energy into the rivalry. Fans eagerly await the next chapter.
Complete SRH vs CSK Timeline
Below is the comprehensive sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline table, covering all major encounters from 2013 through 2026.
| Year | Event/Match | Result/Outcome | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | League Match – Hyderabad | CSK won by 5 wickets | CSK chased down modest target comfortably |
| 2013 | League Match – Chepauk | CSK won by 77 runs | Dominant CSK bowling performance |
| 2014 | League Match | SRH won by 6 wickets | David Warner’s explosive innings |
| 2014 | League Match | CSK won by 5 wickets | Raina anchored the chase |
| 2015 | League Match | CSK won by 45 runs | CSK’s bowlers defended total effectively |
| 2015 | League Match | SRH won by 22 runs | Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s match-winning spell |
| 2018 | League Match 1 | CSK won by 4 runs | Last-over thriller at Chepauk |
| 2018 | League Match 2 | CSK won by 8 wickets | Shane Watson’s destructive knock |
| 2018 | League Match 3 | CSK won by 2 wickets | Dhoni’s finishing masterclass |
| 2018 | Qualifier 2 | CSK won by 8 wickets | CSK advanced to IPL final |
| 2019 | League Match 1 | SRH won by 6 wickets | Warner and Bairstow dominated |
| 2019 | League Match 2 | CSK won by 6 wickets | Raina’s crucial half-century |
| 2020 | League Match – UAE | SRH won by 7 runs | SRH bowlers defended in death overs |
| 2020 | League Match – UAE | CSK won by 20 runs | CSK’s all-round performance |
| 2021 | League Match 1 | CSK won by 7 wickets | Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fluent innings |
| 2021 | League Match 2 | CSK won by 6 wickets | Dhoni’s tactical captaincy on display |
| 2022 | League Match 1 | SRH won by 8 wickets | SRH’s clinical bowling display |
| 2022 | League Match 2 | CSK won by 13 runs | Moeen Ali’s all-round contribution |
| 2023 | League Match | CSK won by 7 wickets | CSK chased 134 with authority |
| 2024 | League Match – Apr 5 | SRH won by 6 wickets | Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma starred |
| 2024 | League Match – Apr 28 | CSK won by 78 runs | CSK posted 212; SRH collapsed to 134 |
| 2025 | League Match – Apr 18 | SRH won by 10 runs | SRH 194/9 vs CSK 184/8 |
| 2025 | League Match – Apr 25 | SRH won by 5 wickets | CSK bowled out for 154 |
| 2026 | League Match – Apr 18 | SRH won by 10 runs | SRH 194/9 vs CSK 184/8 |
| 2026 | League Match – May 18 | SRH won by 5 wickets | SRH won at Chepauk; major upset |
Head-to-Head Stats / Key Statistics
| Category | Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) | Chennai Super Kings (CSK) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Matches Played | 25 | 25 |
| Total Wins | 10 | 15 |
| Win Percentage | 40% | 60% |
| Highest Team Score | 194/9 (2025 & 2026) | 212 (2024) |
| Lowest Team Score | 134 (2024) | 134 (2023) |
| Biggest Win (by Runs) | 22 runs (2015) | 78 runs (2024) |
| Biggest Win (by Wickets) | 8 wickets (2022) | 8 wickets (2018) |
| Playoff Meetings | 0 wins | 1 win (Qualifier 2, 2018) |
| Most Sixes in a Match | Travis Head / Abhishek Sharma era | Shane Watson / Rayudu era |
| Best Bowling Figures | Bhuvneshwar Kumar | Dwayne Bravo / Ravindra Jadeja |
Top Records & Milestones
The sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline is rich with individual brilliance and team milestones. Here are the standout records:
Team Records
- CSK’s Playoff Dominance: CSK eliminated SRH in the 2018 Qualifier 2, and to date, they hold a 1–0 record in knockout-stage meetings.
- Chepauk Fortress: Until 2026, CSK had an exceptional record at home against SRH. SRH’s May 2026 victory at Chepauk was a historic breakthrough.
- Highest Successful Chase: CSK has chased down targets of 160+ multiple times against SRH, showcasing their batting depth.
Individual Records
- David Warner: One of the leading run-scorers in SRH vs CSK history, Warner scored multiple match-winning innings between 2014 and 2019.
- MS Dhoni: The CSK captain’s tactical acumen in close finishes has been a defining factor. His helicopter shot and calm finishing under pressure have produced iconic moments in this rivalry.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: His swing bowling in the powerplay has repeatedly troubled CSK’s top order, making him one of SRH’s most effective bowlers in this matchup.
- Suresh Raina: Known as “Mr. IPL,” Raina scored crucial runs against SRH across multiple seasons, often stabilizing CSK’s innings after early wickets.
- Shane Watson: His aggressive batting in the 2018 season was pivotal in CSK’s sweep over SRH, including the playoff victory.
Interesting Facts & Trivia
- CSK and SRH have never met in an IPL Final.
- The 2024 match where CSK won by 78 runs is the largest margin of victory in the history of this rivalry.
- SRH’s recent four-match winning streak against CSK (2025–2026) is their longest-ever run of consecutive wins against the Men in Yellow.
- Despite CSK’s overall dominance, several matches have been decided by margins of 10 runs or fewer, highlighting how competitive these teams truly are.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How many times have Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings played each other in the IPL? A: As of the 2026 season, SRH and CSK have faced each other 25 times in the IPL, including league matches and one playoff encounter. CSK leads the head-to-head with 15 wins to SRH’s 10.
Q: Has SRH ever beaten CSK in an IPL playoff or knockout match? A: No. The only playoff meeting between the two teams was in the 2018 Qualifier 2, which CSK won by 8 wickets. SRH is yet to beat CSK in a knockout game.
Q: Who has scored the most runs in SRH vs CSK matches? A: David Warner and Suresh Raina are among the leading run-scorers in this rivalry. Warner’s aggressive opening batting and Raina’s consistency in the middle order have made them standout performers.
Q: What is the biggest win in the SRH vs CSK rivalry? A: CSK’s 78-run victory in April 2024 is the largest margin of victory in this rivalry. CSK posted 212 and bowled out SRH for just 134.
Q: Has SRH ever won at Chepauk against CSK? A: Yes. In May 2026, SRH achieved a historic 5-wicket victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk), breaking CSK’s long-standing home dominance in this matchup.
Q: Which bowler has taken the most wickets in SRH vs CSK games? A: Bhuvneshwar Kumar for SRH and Dwayne Bravo for CSK have been among the leading wicket-takers in this rivalry, with both bowlers excelling in death-over situations.
Conclusion
The sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline is a story of evolution, resilience, and shifting power dynamics. From CSK’s early dominance and playoff mastery to SRH’s recent resurgence and historic Chepauk victory in 2026, this rivalry has delivered some of the IPL’s most memorable moments. With both franchises continuing to evolve their squads and strategies, fans can expect even more thrilling chapters in the years to come. Whether you’re tracking stats for fantasy cricket or simply love the drama of T20 cricket, keeping up with the sunrisers hyderabad vs chennai super kings timeline is a must for every IPL fan. The next meeting between these two giants promises to be as intense as ever.
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