When one thinks of classic IPL rivalries, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad may not instantly come to mind like the more flamboyant Mumbai or Chennai clashes. But as a long-time cricket enthusiast, I’ve followed their evolving rivalry closely.
From thrilling last-over finishes to strategic masterclasses, KKR vs SRH has silently built a compelling history that deserves attention.
This blog provides a comprehensive timeline, stats, and an in-depth look at their 2025 showdown.
KKR vs SRH: Complete Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad has seen KKR establish clear dominance over the years. The following table outlines their overall match stats:
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | No Result | Highest Score | Lowest Score |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | 28 | 9 | 19 | 0 | 228 | 113 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 28 | 19 | 9 | 0 | 208 | 101 |
Despite SRH’s solid squad and performances, KKR’s consistency in key moments has kept them ahead in this battle.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad: IPL Timeline (2013 – 2024)
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Here is a season-by-season timeline summarising how the clashes between these two franchises have unfolded:
| Season | Winning Team | Winning Margin / Match Result(s) |
| 2024 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 4 runs, Won by 8 wickets (twice) |
| 2023 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 23 runs |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 runs | |
| 2022 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 7 wickets |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 54 runs | |
| 2021 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 10 runs, Won by 6 wickets |
| 2020 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets |
| Match Result | Match tied (KKR won in Super Over) | |
| 2019 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 6 wickets |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 9 wickets | |
| 2018 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 5 wickets, Won by 14 runs |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 5 wickets | |
| 2017 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 17 runs, Won by 7 wickets (D/L) |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 48 runs | |
| 2016 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 8 wickets, Won by 22 runs |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 22 runs | |
| 2015 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 16 runs |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 35 runs | |
| 2014 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 7 wickets, Won by 4 wickets |
| 2013 | Kolkata Knight Riders | Won by 48 runs |
| Sunrisers Hyderabad | Won by 5 wickets |
The timeline reflects Kolkata’s sustained edge over Sunrisers Hyderabad but also highlights SRH’s ability to challenge in crucial games.
Standout Moments and In-Depth Match Reviews
Certain matches between KKR and SRH stand out due to individual brilliance or close finishes:
- 2020 Super Over Thriller: A tied game that ended in KKR’s favour through a nerve-wracking Super Over.
- 2023 Comeback Victory: KKR’s narrow 5-run win under pressure showcased their bowling depth.
- 2018 Playoffs Clash: SRH defeated KKR in a high-stakes match to reach the final.
These matches encapsulate the strategic tension between the teams—where tactics, temperament, and timing play key roles.
Clashes from the 2024 IPL Season
In the 2024 season, Kolkata Knight Riders asserted dominance:
- Match 1: KKR edged out SRH by 4 runs in a closely contested game.
- Match 2 & 3: Dominant victories by 8 wickets on both occasions cemented their superiority.
Kolkata’s balanced playing XI and aggressive approach left SRH scrambling for answers throughout the season.
Unforgettable Matches Between KKR and SRH
A few games in their rivalry have been particularly memorable:
- 2016 – KKR’s All-Round Show: Winning both league games with clinical all-round performances.
- 2019 – Warner’s Return: David Warner’s 85-run blitz helped SRH chase down 160+ with ease.
- 2020 Super Over: Arguably their most dramatic face-off, swinging both ways before being settled in a Super Over.
These games not only delivered entertainment but also shifted team dynamics in the seasons that followed.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – IPL 2025 Match Preview
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- Match: KKR vs SRH, Match 15, IPL 2025
- Date: 3rd April 2025
- Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Time (UK): 3:00 PM BST
- Live Telecast: Sky Sports
With both teams under pressure in the early phase of IPL 2025, this match could be pivotal in shaping their campaign.
Fixture Details and Venue Information
Eden Gardens is one of the most iconic cricket venues in the world. Known for its electric atmosphere and large capacity, it often proves decisive for the home team.
Pitch Report:
- Offers bounce and carry for pacers in the first innings.
- Becomes flatter and easier to bat on as the match progresses.
- Spinners might find grip in the second innings.
Weather Forecast:
- Temperature: Starts at 28°C, drops slightly during evening hours
- Humidity: ~84%, which could impact bowlers’ grip
- Wind: Light winds, no major interference
- Rain: No rain forecast – full match expected
The pitch is likely to favour batsmen, but early overs could challenge top-order batsmen.
Venue Stats:
| Stat | Record |
| Highest Total | 262/2 by PBKS vs KKR |
| Lowest Total | 49 by RCB vs KKR |
| Avg 1st Innings Score | ~170 |
Recent Form Guide and Match Overview
KKR Form: Mixed results with some strong batting displays but inconsistent bowling in the death overs.
SRH Form: Still finding balance with a new middle order and struggling with finishing games under pressure.
Kolkata will likely go into this game with momentum, while SRH will hope for individual brilliance to turn the tide.
Top Players Who Could Make the Difference
KKR:
- Andre Russell – Dangerous in death overs with bat and ball
- Rinku Singh – Proven finisher under pressure
- Sunil Narine – Economical and experienced
SRH:
- Heinrich Klaasen – Explosive middle-order batsman
- Pat Cummins – Can swing the match with early breakthroughs
- Travis Head – Aggressive opening batsman
Predicted Line-up for KKR vs SRH – IPL 2025, Match 15
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Kolkata Knight Riders – Likely Playing XI
| Player | Role |
| Quinton de Kock (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Ajinkya Rahane (C) | Top Order |
| Venkatesh Iyer | All-Rounder |
| Rinku Singh | Middle Order |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Ramandeep Singh | Finisher |
| Spencer Johnson | Fast Bowler |
| Harshit Rana | Fast Bowler |
| Vaibhav Arora | Bowler |
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Spinner |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Impact Substitute |
Sunrisers Hyderabad – Likely Playing XI
| Player | Role |
| Travis Head | Opener |
| Abhishek Sharma | Opener |
| Ishan Kishan | Top Order |
| Nitish Kumar Reddy | Middle Order |
| Heinrich Klaasen (WK) | Wicketkeeper |
| Aniket Verma | Finisher |
| Abhinav Manohar | Middle Order |
| Pat Cummins (C) | Fast Bowler |
| Zeeshan Ansari | Spinner |
| Harshal Patel | Fast Bowler |
| Mohammed Shami | Fast Bowler |
| Adam Zampa | Impact Substitute |
Final Thoughts on KKR vs SRH Rivalry
While not the most headline-grabbing rivalry, KKR vs SRH has quietly delivered some of the most thrilling and competitive games in IPL history.
With both teams undergoing transitions and new strategies emerging, the 2025 match is another opportunity for either side to make a bold statement.
Fans can expect a high-octane encounter at Eden Gardens, one that could swing in any direction.
FAQs
Who has a better head-to-head record between KKR and SRH?
Kolkata Knight Riders lead the head-to-head with 19 wins out of 28 matches, reflecting their upper hand historically.
What is the highest score in KKR vs SRH matches?
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s highest total is 228, while Kolkata’s highest is 208 in their clashes.
Which stadium hosts the most KKR vs SRH matches?
Eden Gardens in Kolkata has hosted the majority of their fixtures due to KKR’s home advantage.
Have KKR and SRH met in any IPL finals?
No, the two sides have not yet met in an IPL final, although they have faced off in playoffs.
Who holds the record for most runs in KKR vs SRH games?
David Warner has scored the most runs in matches between these two teams, with consistent top-order contributions.
How often have these teams gone into Super Over scenarios?
There has been one tied match between them in 2020, which KKR won in the Super Over.
What’s the average winning score at Eden Gardens?
The average first innings winning total is around 170, but matches often get tighter in the second innings under lights.
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