Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), a team known for their resilience and IPL 2016 triumph, have also endured some of the league’s most lopsided losses. This analysis revisits their five heaviest defeats, each revealing recurring flaws in chasing mammoth totals and containing explosive batters.
The IPL 2025 season loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) underscores their vulnerability in high-pressure games. The recent defeat highlight critical gaps in the Sunrisers’ strategy – from fragile top-order batting to erratic death bowling, offering lessons for future campaigns.
Sunrisers Hyderabad’s biggest IPL setbacks
5) 72-run loss vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad, 2023)
In their IPL 2023 opener, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) were dismantled by Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. RR posted 203/5, powered by fifties from Yashasvi Jaiswal (54), Jos Buttler (54) and Sanju Samson (55). SRH’s chase collapsed to 131/8 as Yuzvendra Chahal (4/17) and Trent Boult (2/21) ran riot. Buttler’s 22-ball 54, featuring seven fours and three sixes, earned him Player of the Match award.
4) 72-run defeat vs Punjab Kings (Sharjah, 2014)
Glenn Maxwell’s blistering 95 off 43 balls (5 fours, 9 sixes) propelled Punjab Kings to 193/5 in IPL 2014. SRH crumbled to 121 all out in 19.2 overs, with Lakshmipathy Balaji claiming 4/13. Apart from KL Rahul (27), no SRH batter crossed 20, exposing their frailties against disciplined bowling.
3) 77-run loss vs Chennai Super Kings (Hyderabad, 2013)
Suresh Raina’s unbeaten 99 off 52 balls (11 fours, 3 sixes) and Michael Hussey’s 67 off 42 guided CSK to 223/3. SRH managed only 146/8, with Parthiv Patel’s 44 the lone resistance. Ishant Sharma’s 0/66 remains the worst IPL bowling figures, as CSK’s dominance secured their playoffs berth.
Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures on IPL debut ft. Ashwani Kumar
2) 78-run defeat vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai, 2024)
Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 98 off 54 (10 fours, 3 sixes) and Daryl Mitchell’s 52 powered CSK to 212/3. Tushar Deshpande (4/27) dismantled SRH’s top order, dismissing Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma early. SRH folded for 134, highlighting their recurring chasing woes.
1) 80-run loss vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata, 2025)
In their heaviest defeat, SRH succumbed to KKR by 80 runs at the Eden Gardens. Kolkata. KKR’s batters unleashed a total of 200/6, while SRH’s lineup got all-out for 120 in 16.4 overs. This loss underscores SRH’s struggles with high-pressure chases, marking a new low in their IPL journey.
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 3, 2025
