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The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings timeline is filled with exciting IPL encounters, dramatic run chases, impressive batting performances, and memorable playoff matches. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have historically enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry, while Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have produced several important victories of their own.
The rivalry began in 2013, when Sunrisers Hyderabad entered the Indian Premier League. Since then, the teams have met in league matches, playoff fixtures, and the 2018 IPL final. Their recent meetings in 2026 have added another chapter, with SRH winning both matches against CSK.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings Head-to-Head Record
CSK have traditionally been one of the IPL’s most successful franchises, known for their experienced players and calm approach in pressure situations. SRH, meanwhile, have built their reputation around disciplined bowling, explosive opening partnerships, and powerful middle-order batting.
The recorded head-to-head results through the 2026 season show Chennai ahead overall.
| Head-to-head statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| First IPL meeting | 25 April 2013 |
| Matches played | 24 |
| Chennai Super Kings wins | 15 |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad wins | 9 |
| Tied matches | 0 |
| No-results among completed matches | 0 |
| Overall advantage | Chennai Super Kings |
These figures refer to completed matches in the historical head-to-head record through May 2026. Two additional scheduled encounters were cancelled, so totals may differ across databases.
Although CSK lead the overall record, SRH have proved particularly competitive in recent seasons. Their two victories in 2026 demonstrated how their aggressive batting and improved bowling combinations can trouble Chennai.
2013: The Rivalry Begins
Sunrisers Hyderabad joined the IPL in 2013, replacing the Deccan Chargers. Their first season introduced a new team to the competition and established the beginning of their rivalry with Chennai Super Kings.
The teams first met on 25 April 2013 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Chennai won by five wickets, making a successful start to the new rivalry.
They met again on 8 May 2013 in Hyderabad. CSK posted 223/3, a huge total at the time, and won by 77 runs after restricting SRH to 146/8.
Suresh Raina played a memorable role in the second match, scoring an unbeaten 99. His innings helped Chennai dominate the contest and established the team’s early superiority over the new franchise.
These first two meetings set the tone for a rivalry in which Chennai’s batting depth and experience often proved decisive.
2014: Chennai Maintain Their Advantage
The teams continued their rivalry in the 2014 IPL season. Chennai Super Kings won both completed league encounters, further strengthening their head-to-head advantage.
One of the notable meetings took place in Ranchi on 22 May 2014. SRH scored 185/3, while CSK chased the target successfully and finished on 186/4, winning by six wickets.
David Warner and other SRH batters had shown their ability to build competitive totals, but Chennai’s experienced batting lineup remained difficult to contain.
The 2014 season reinforced a pattern that would continue in later years: SRH could score heavily, but CSK often found a way to finish close matches.
2015: Sunrisers Hyderabad Fight Back
The 2015 season produced a more balanced set of results. Chennai won the first encounter on 11 April, scoring 209/4 and defeating SRH by 45 runs.
Sunrisers Hyderabad responded in the return fixture on 2 May. SRH scored 192/7 and restricted Chennai to 170/6, winning by 22 runs.
The victory was an important moment for SRH because it showed that they could challenge Chennai through attacking batting and effective bowling at the death.
The two matches also highlighted the influence of the toss, pitch conditions, and the ability to defend a large total.
2016 and 2017: Two Seasons Without a Meeting
CSK did not participate in the IPL in 2016 and 2017 because the franchise was suspended from the competition for two seasons. Sunrisers Hyderabad remained part of the tournament and won their first IPL title in 2016.
As a result, there were no CSK vs SRH matches during these two seasons.
The teams returned to face each other in 2018, beginning one of the most memorable chapters in their rivalry.
2018: Chennai Super Kings Dominate the IPL Final
The 2018 season was a landmark year for the rivalry. Chennai Super Kings returned to the IPL after their suspension and immediately established themselves as one of the tournament’s strongest teams.
CSK and SRH met four times during the season, including Qualifier 1 and the final. Chennai won all four encounters.
League Matches
On 22 April 2018, CSK defeated SRH by four runs in a close contest. Chennai posted 182/3, while Hyderabad finished on 178/6.
The teams met again on 13 May. Chennai scored 180/2 and chased down Hyderabad’s target, winning by eight wickets.
Qualifier 1: 22 May 2018
Sunrisers Hyderabad scored 139/7 after batting first. Chennai faced a difficult chase but reached 140/8 in 19.1 overs, winning by two wickets and securing a place in the final.
The result demonstrated Chennai’s ability to handle pressure even when wickets fell regularly.
IPL Final: 27 May 2018
The final took place at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. SRH scored 178/6, with Kane Williamson and other batters helping establish a competitive total.
Chennai responded through Shane Watson, who produced one of the greatest innings in an IPL final. Watson scored an unbeaten 117 from 57 balls, helping CSK reach 181/2 in 18.3 overs.
Chennai won by eight wickets and secured their third IPL title.
| Match | SRH score | CSK score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| League match, 22 April | 178/6 | 182/3 | CSK won by 4 runs |
| League match, 13 May | 179/4 | 180/2 | CSK won by 8 wickets |
| Qualifier 1, 22 May | 139/7 | 140/8 | CSK won by 2 wickets |
| Final, 27 May | 178/6 | 181/2 | CSK won by 8 wickets |
The 2018 final remains a defining moment in the CSK vs SRH timeline because it combined the pressure of a championship match with a remarkable individual performance.
2019: The Teams Exchange Victories
The 2019 IPL season brought two contrasting results.
On 17 April, Sunrisers Hyderabad chased Chennai’s 132/5 and won by six wickets, reaching 137/4 in 16.5 overs.
Chennai responded on 23 April. SRH scored 175/3, but CSK chased the target successfully and finished on 176/4, winning by six wickets.
These matches showed that SRH could exploit Chennai’s bowling when their batters started well, while CSK remained dangerous during successful run chases.
2020: A Split in the UAE
The IPL was held in the United Arab Emirates in 2020, and Chennai and Hyderabad each won one of their two meetings.
On 2 October, SRH scored 164/5 and defended the total against CSK, winning by seven runs. The match was close, with Chennai unable to complete the chase.
On 13 October, Chennai responded by scoring 167/6 and restricting Hyderabad to 147/8. CSK won by 20 runs.
The results reflected the importance of adapting to slower surfaces and managing batting pressure during the middle overs.
2021: Chennai Sweep the Season
Chennai Super Kings won both meetings against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2021 IPL season.
On 28 April, SRH scored 171/3, but CSK chased the target comfortably and won by seven wickets.
In the return match on 30 September, Hyderabad managed 134/7. Chennai reached 139/4 in 19.4 overs, winning by six wickets.
The results highlighted Chennai’s consistency and their ability to control matches without needing extraordinary performances in every game.
CSK went on to win the 2021 IPL title, further strengthening their reputation as one of the competition’s most successful teams.
2022: Both Teams Win Once
The 2022 season produced one victory for each side.
On 9 April, SRH chased Chennai’s 154/7 and won by eight wickets, reaching 155/2 in 17.4 overs.
Chennai responded on 1 May. CSK posted 202/2, while SRH finished on 189/6. Chennai won by 13 runs after setting a challenging target.
The two results illustrated the different ways these teams could win. Hyderabad relied on a controlled chase in the first match, while Chennai’s strong batting display proved decisive in the second.
2023: Chennai Win at Chepauk
The teams met once in the 2023 IPL season, on 21 April at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium.
Sunrisers Hyderabad batted first and scored 134/7. Chennai chased the target in 18.4 overs, finishing on 138/3 and winning by seven wickets.
CSK’s experienced batters managed the chase without allowing the required run rate to become a serious problem.
The result continued Chennai’s strong record against Hyderabad, especially in matches played at Chepauk.
2024: The Teams Share Their Wins
The 2024 IPL season produced a victory for each team, with SRH winning the first meeting and CSK taking the return fixture.
First Match: 5 April 2024
Chennai scored 165/5 after batting first. Hyderabad responded with 166/4 in 18.1 overs, winning by six wickets.
SRH’s batting lineup successfully chased the target, showing the effectiveness of their aggressive approach.
Second Match: 28 April 2024
Chennai delivered a dominant performance in the return fixture. CSK scored 212/3, while SRH were bowled out for 134 in 18.5 overs.
Chennai won by 78 runs. Tushar Deshpande took four wickets for 27 runs, playing a major role in dismantling Hyderabad’s batting order.
| Date | SRH score | CSK score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 April 2024 | 166/4 | 165/5 | SRH won by 6 wickets |
| 28 April 2024 | 134 all out | 212/3 | CSK won by 78 runs |
The split results demonstrated that neither team could rely solely on its historical record. The team that executed its plans better on the day gained the advantage.
2025: Sunrisers Hyderabad Win the Return Encounter
The teams met once in the 2025 IPL season, on 25 April at Chennai.
Chennai Super Kings were bowled out for 154 in 19.5 overs. Sunrisers Hyderabad chased the target and finished on 155/5 in 18.4 overs, winning by five wickets.
The result was an important win for Hyderabad, particularly because Chennai were playing at home. SRH’s ability to manage the chase and avoid a late collapse helped them secure the points.
The match continued a recent trend in which Hyderabad were increasingly capable of beating Chennai despite CSK’s historical advantage.
2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad Win Both Matches
The 2026 IPL season added two important victories to Hyderabad’s side of the rivalry. SRH defeated CSK in both league-stage encounters.
First Match: 18 April 2026
The first meeting took place at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
SRH batted first and scored 194/9. Abhishek Sharma made 59 from 22 balls, while Heinrich Klaasen also scored 59, providing an important contribution in the middle order.
Chennai responded with 184/8. Several batters made useful contributions, but CSK fell short by 10 runs.
Eshan Malinga was named Player of the Match after taking three wickets for 29 runs.
Second Match: 18 May 2026
The return match took place at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
CSK batted first and scored 180/7. Hyderabad chased the target, reaching 181/5 in 19 overs and winning by five wickets.
Ishan Kishan was named Player of the Match after scoring 70 from 47 balls. His innings helped SRH complete the chase and secure their second victory over Chennai in the season.
| Date | Venue | CSK score | SRH score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 April 2026 | Hyderabad | 184/8 | 194/9 | SRH won by 10 runs |
| 18 May 2026 | Chennai | 180/7 | 181/5 | SRH won by 5 wickets |
These matches demonstrated Hyderabad’s growing confidence in the rivalry. They defended a competitive total in the first game and completed a successful chase in the second, showing strength in both innings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings Timeline Table
The following table provides a quick overview of the rivalry’s major seasons and outcomes.
| IPL Season | Key Result or Development |
|---|---|
| 2013 | First meeting; CSK won both encounters |
| 2014 | CSK won both completed matches |
| 2015 | Both teams won once |
| 2016 | No meetings; CSK were suspended |
| 2017 | No meetings; CSK were suspended |
| 2018 | CSK won all four matches, including the final |
| 2019 | Both teams won once |
| 2020 | Both teams won once |
| 2021 | CSK won both matches |
| 2022 | Both teams won once |
| 2023 | CSK won by seven wickets |
| 2024 | Both teams won once |
| 2025 | SRH won by five wickets |
| 2026 | SRH won both league matches |
Most Memorable Players in the Rivalry
Shane Watson
Shane Watson produced one of the most memorable performances in the rivalry during the 2018 IPL final. His unbeaten 117 helped Chennai chase down Hyderabad’s total and win the championship.
Suresh Raina
Suresh Raina was an influential batter for Chennai during the early years of the rivalry. His unbeaten 99 in 2013 remains a notable innings in the historical timeline.
David Warner
David Warner was a major figure in Hyderabad’s batting lineup and helped the franchise compete against stronger opponents. His aggressive approach and ability to build large innings made him one of SRH’s most important players.
Abhishek Sharma
Abhishek Sharma’s 59 from 22 balls in the April 2026 meeting helped SRH establish a strong total. His attacking style has become an important part of Hyderabad’s modern batting strategy.
Heinrich Klaasen
Heinrich Klaasen has added power and stability to SRH’s middle order. His 59 in the 2026 match against Chennai helped Hyderabad reach 194/9.
Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan’s 70 in the May 2026 meeting helped SRH complete a successful chase at Chepauk. His innings was instrumental in Hyderabad winning both matches against Chennai during the season.
What Makes the CSK vs SRH Rivalry Interesting?
The rivalry has been shaped by contrasting team strategies. Chennai have traditionally relied on experience, partnerships, and tactical awareness. Hyderabad have often used aggressive powerplay batting and disciplined bowling to challenge their opponents.
Several factors frequently influence the outcome:
- Powerplay performance: Strong starts can help either team establish control early.
- Middle-order partnerships: Building partnerships after early wickets is essential to posting or chasing a competitive total.
- Death-over bowling: Restricting runs in the final overs can make a significant difference in close games.
- Spin and pitch conditions: Matches in Chennai can demand different tactics from those played in Hyderabad.
- Pressure management: CSK’s playoff experience and SRH’s aggressive approach have both produced memorable results.
The 2018 final remains the rivalry’s most significant championship encounter, while the two SRH wins in 2026 show that the balance between these teams can shift from season to season.
Conclusion
The Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings timeline traces a rivalry that began in 2013 and has featured league matches, playoff drama, and an unforgettable IPL final. Chennai Super Kings hold the historical advantage, with 15 wins against SRH’s nine in the recorded head-to-head tally through May 2026.
However, Hyderabad have continued to challenge Chennai, particularly in recent seasons. Their two wins in 2026 demonstrated their ability to defend a total and chase successfully. With both teams regularly featuring powerful batters and varied bowling attacks, future meetings promise more exciting chapters in this IPL rivalry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When did Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings first play against each other?
The teams first met on 25 April 2013 during the IPL season. Chennai Super Kings won the match by five wickets.
2. Which team has won more matches between SRH and CSK?
Chennai Super Kings lead the historical head-to-head record, with 15 wins compared with nine for Sunrisers Hyderabad through May 2026.
3. Who won the 2018 IPL final between CSK and SRH?
Chennai Super Kings won the 2018 IPL final by eight wickets. Shane Watson scored an unbeaten 117 from 57 balls.
4. What happened in the SRH vs CSK matches in IPL 2026?
Sunrisers Hyderabad won both league-stage matches. They won by 10 runs in Hyderabad on 18 April and by five wickets in Chennai on 18 May.
5. What was the result of the highest-profile CSK vs SRH match?
The 2018 IPL final was the rivalry’s most prominent championship match. Chennai scored 181/2 while chasing Hyderabad’s 178/6 and won the title by eight wickets.