IPL Rivalry: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad Timeline

Introduction
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline is one of the most talked‑about stories in the Indian Premier League (IPL), filled with dramatic matches, intense rivalries, record performances, and unforgettable moments. Since Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) entered the IPL in 2013 as the successors to the Deccan Chargers, this rivalry has grown rich with narrative arcs — big wins, narrow chases, late‑over thrillers, and individual masterclasses. Over time, fans have come to regard KKR vs SRH matchups as must‑watch events whenever the IPL calendar brings them together.
This article breaks down that timeline chronologically, explains why these clashes have been so exciting, highlights key players, showcases statistics, and gives you all the important details in clear, simple English.
📊 Head‑to‑Head Overview: Who Leads This Rivalry?


Before we break down the match‑by‑match timeline, it’s essential to understand the broad head‑to‑head numbers between the two teams.
| Statistic | KKR | SRH |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 30 | 30 |
| Matches Won | 20 | 10 |
| Highest Score | 208/7 | 278/3 |
| Biggest Win (Runs) | Tied | 110 runs |
| Most Recent Match (2025) | Loss | Win |
As of the latest IPL seasons, KKR holds the upper hand overall — winning roughly two out of every three matches played. However, SRH has staged massive wins, including a huge 278/3 innings in 2025 — one of the highest totals in IPL history in any matchup.
📅 Full Match Timeline – Year by Year
Below is the most detailed chapter of the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline, describing each season’s key matches and what made them exciting or historic.
🔹 IPL 2013 – The First Clash
When SRH debuted in the IPL as a replacement for Deccan Chargers in 2013, the first few fixtures immediately sparked interest. These early matches were exploratory — each team learning more about their opponents.
In their first encounter, KKR established early dominance, winning by 48 runs at Eden Gardens. However, just a few weeks later, the tables turned when SRH chased down their target comfortably to win by 5 wickets in Hyderabad. These initial games set up the rivalry’s pattern — one team trying to assert dominance and the other responding with grit.
🔹 IPL 2014 – KKR Starts Building Control
The 2014 season saw KKR coming out stronger. Both matches that season were won by KKR, and it was notable for aggressive batting and disciplined bowling. In one fixture, KKR chased down modest targets easily thanks to smart batting. These early wins helped define KKR’s superior head‑to‑head momentum early in the rivalry.
🔹 IPL 2015 – Balance Begins
In 2015, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad traded wins. SRH’s victory was by a narrow 16 runs, albeit with competitive batting by both sides. Across these fixtures, the timeline already reflected how each team could beat the other — no result felt certain until the final overs.
🔹 IPL 2016 – Competitive Exchanges
By the time the 2016 matches came around, both sides had matured their squads. In these games, SRH and KKR each had moments of control — splitting results across two matches with both teams winning one each. Performances from bowlers and tactical captains began shaping these contests into true strategic duels.
🔹 IPL 2017 – High‑Scoring & Tactical Battles
In the 2017 season, one match went SRH’s way with a solid 48‑run margin, but KKR bounced back in other games with certain victories by 7 wickets and tactical batting brilliance. Some incredible individual performances from both teams stood out, contributing to the excitement of this phase of the rivalry.
🔹 IPL 2018 – Tight Matches & Strategic Play
In 2018, the rivalry had multiple encounters where neither side could completely dominate. Both teams traded victories — indicative of how closely matched they had become. These games often came down to strategic bowling changes and disciplined middle‑overs play.
🔹 IPL 2019 – Balanced Rivalry
The 2019 season already showed how entertaining the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline had become. One match saw SRH winning by nine wickets due to strong batting performances, while the other saw KKR dig in and chase their target with confidence.
🔹 IPL 2020 – Super Over Drama
In 2020 — the year the IPL moved to the UAE due to the pandemic — one game ended in a dramatic Super Over after being tied in regular play. KKR ultimately won this Super Over, thrilling fans and showcasing the unpredictability of this rivalry.
🔹 IPL 2021 & IPL 2022 – Tense Matches Continue
Across the next two seasons, KKR continued to edge SRH, though several wins were tight and competitive. In 2021, one match saw KKR winning by six wickets, while 2022 included a convincing 54‑run win by KKR and a tilt back for SRH in another fixture. Across these games, individual performances added spice to this timeline — with key contributions from bowlers and power hitters on both sides.
🔹 IPL 2023 – Momentum For Both Teams
During the 2023 season, one match ended in a thrilling close win for KKR by five runs at Hyderabad, while SRH also responded with a 23‑run win at Kolkata. These back‑and‑forth results underlined how unpredictable and exciting the rivalry had grown — neither side was able to stay dominant throughout.
🔹 IPL 2024 – Title Clash and Dominance
Perhaps one of the most defining moments in the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline was the IPL 2024 Final. KKR defeated SRH by 8 wickets at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium to claim their third IPL title, marking a powerful entry in this narrative’s history. The match was one of the most comprehensive in the rivalry’s timeline, showcasing KKR’s depth and strategic excellence.
🔹 IPL 2025 – Record‑Breaking Battles
The 2025 season produced one of the most explosive fixtures in this timeline. Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a huge 278/3 — the third‑highest total in IPL history — in a match against KKR. Heinrich Klaasen scored an incredible 105 off just 39 balls, placing this performance among the fastest centuries. SRH then bowled out KKR for 168, winning by a massive 110 runs — the biggest margin by runs in this rivalry so far.
This match showed that while KKR may have the better overall head‑to‑head record, SRH still has the firepower to deliver match‑winning and record‑breaking performances when everything clicks.
📈 Timeline Table: Every Match & Result (2013‑2025)


To help you visualize the journey of this rivalry, here is a more detailed table capturing match data and outcomes over the years:
| Season | Match Type | Result (Winner) | Margin / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | League | KKR | Won by 48 runs |
| 2013 | League | SRH | Won by 5 wickets |
| 2014 | League | KKR | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2014 | League | KKR | Won by 4 wickets |
| 2015 | League | SRH | Won by 16 runs |
| 2015 | League | KKR | Won by 35 runs |
| 2016 | League | SRH | Won by 22 runs |
| 2016 | League | KKR | Won by 22 runs |
| 2017 | League | KKR | Won by 7 wickets |
| 2017 | League | SRH | Won by 48 runs |
| 2018 | Multiple | Mixed | Trade wins |
| 2019 | Mixed | Mixed | Close games |
| 2020 | Super Over | KKR | KKR won Super Over |
| 2021 | League | KKR | Close win |
| 2022 | League | KKR | Won by 54 runs |
| 2023 | League | KKR | Won by 5 runs |
| 2023 | League | SRH | Won by 23 runs |
| 2024 Final | Playoffs | KKR | Won by 8 wickets |
| 2025 | League | SRH | Won by 110 runs |
This table represents key match outcomes from the rich Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline.
🔥 Most Memorable Match Moments
Breaking down the rivalry further, here are the standout highlights that every fan remembers:
⭐ 1. Super Over Thriller (2020)
In the IPL 2020 clash, both teams finished tied at the end of 20 overs, leading to a Super Over — a rare and exciting finish. KKR eventually won the Super Over, making this clash one of the most thrilling in the timeline.
⭐ 2. IPL 2024 Title Triumph
The 2024 final was a defining moment. KKR’s comprehensive 8‑wicket victory was not just a win in the rivalry but a championship statement — securing their third IPL trophy.
⭐ 3. SRH’s Record Run Fest (2025)
SRH posted 278/3, one of the highest successful totals in IPL history, led by Klaasen’s explosive century — a game‑changer performance that sent shockwaves across the league.
⭐ 4. Back‑and‑Forth Battles
Throughout the timeline, many games have been close finishes or strategic cook‑ups, showing how unpredictable and competitive these contests often are.
💡 Fun Facts from This Rivalry


Here are some interesting points that add flavour to the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline:
- KKR has historically been the stronger side overall with a double win ratio over SRH in head‑to‑head matches.
- SRH still owns some of the highest scoring totals in this rivalry, showcasing their hitting power.
- Certain matches — like the Super Over — highlight how unpredictable and exciting this rivalry can be.
❓ FAQs – Explained in Simple Terms
🔹 Who leads the Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad head‑to‑head?
KKR leads with 20 wins against SRH’s 10 in IPL encounters.
🔹 What was the biggest win margin in their timeline?
SRH’s 110‑run win in 2025 is the biggest margin by runs in the rivalry.
🔹 Has any KKR vs SRH match ever gone to a Super Over?
Yes — in the IPL 2020 season, the match was tied and decided by a Super Over, which KKR won.
🔹 Which team posted the highest total in these matches?
SRH’s 278/3 in 2025 ranks among the highest totals in IPL history, making it a record‑breaking performance in the timeline.
Conclusion
The Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad timeline tells a story that’s about more than just numbers on a scoresheet. It’s about momentum swings, shifting dominance, legendary individual performances, and matches that keep fans on the edge of their seats. From early matchups in 2013 to record‑breaking totals in 2025, these two teams have given IPL enthusiasts some of the most entertaining cricket moments in league history.
Whether you’re a KKR supporter, an SRH fan, or simply a neutral cricket lover, this rivalry offers something special — unpredictable outcomes, tactical depth, and high‑impact moments. Remembering this timeline helps us appreciate just how compelling franchise cricket can be, and why these fixtures remain among the most anticipated in every IPL season.
Read More:-




