IPL: 5 Biggest Defeats For Sunrisers Hyderabad In Terms Of Runs

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has always been a team of paradoxes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). From their triumphant 2016 campaign to their stunning collapses, SRH has experienced the full spectrum of emotions that IPL cricket offers. While they have often displayed resilience and tactical acumen, their history also includes some of the most lopsided defeats in the tournament’s history.

The recent 80-run loss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2025 serves as yet another reminder of their ongoing struggles, particularly in chasing big totals and containing aggressive batting line-ups. This defeat not only exposed their fragile top-order batting but also emphasized their erratic bowling at the death, a recurring theme in their biggest setbacks.

This article revisits Sunrisers Hyderabad’s five heaviest defeats in IPL history, analyzing the key factors behind each loss and what they reveal about the team’s long-term weaknesses.

5) 72-Run Loss vs Rajasthan Royals (Hyderabad, 2023)

Match Date: April 2, 2023
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

SRH began their IPL 2023 campaign on a disastrous note, suffering a 72-run defeat at home to Rajasthan Royals (RR). The game was a one-sided affair, with RR completely outclassing SRH in all departments.

What Went Wrong for SRH?

Rajasthan Royals’ Dominance with the Bat:

RR set a massive 203/5, courtesy of three half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (54), Jos Buttler (54), and Sanju Samson (55).
Buttler’s 22-ball 54, featuring seven fours and three sixes, completely demoralized SRH’s bowlers.

SRH’s Batting Collapse:

Chasing 204, SRH never got going and limped to 131/8 in 20 overs.
Yuzvendra Chahal (4/17) and Trent Boult (2/21) ensured there was no fightback from the home team.
Only Abdul Samad (32 off 24) showed some resistance, but the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure.

Key Takeaway:
SRH struggled to contain aggressive batters in the powerplay and failed to build partnerships while chasing a big total—issues that have haunted them repeatedly.

4) 72-Run Defeat vs Punjab Kings (Sharjah, 2014)

Match Date: May 14, 2014
Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium

IPL 2014 saw one of the most explosive batting performances from Punjab Kings’ (then Kings XI Punjab) Glenn Maxwell, as he single-handedly dismantled SRH in Sharjah.

What Went Wrong for SRH?

Glenn Maxwell’s Onslaught:

Maxwell smashed 95 off 43 balls (5 fours, 9 sixes), taking Punjab to 193/5.
SRH’s bowlers had no answers, with even seasoned pacers Dale Steyn and Bhuvneshwar Kumar struggling.

Batting Failure:

Chasing 194, SRH collapsed for 121 in 19.2 overs.
Lakshmipathy Balaji (4/13) ran through their lineup.
Apart from KL Rahul (27), no batter crossed 20 runs, exposing SRH’s inability to chase big totals.

Key Takeaway:
SRH has historically struggled against power-hitters like Maxwell, Buttler, and Gaikwad. Their bowlers often lose control when attacked early, allowing opponents to dictate terms.

3) 77-Run Loss vs Chennai Super Kings (Hyderabad, 2013)

Match Date: May 8, 2013
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad

In IPL 2013, SRH found themselves on the receiving end of one of the most brutal innings in IPL history, courtesy of Suresh Raina.

What Went Wrong for SRH?

CSK’s Batting Brilliance:

Suresh Raina (99 off 52)* played one of the finest IPL innings ever.
Michael Hussey (67 off 42) provided solid support as CSK posted a mammoth 223/3.

SRH’s Weak Response:

They could manage only 146/8 in 20 overs.
Parthiv Patel’s 44 was the only notable score.
Ishant Sharma’s 0/66 remains one of the worst bowling performances in IPL history.

Key Takeaway:
SRH has consistently struggled when asked to chase over 200. Their lack of aggressive finishers in earlier years cost them heavily in matches like this.

2) 78-Run Defeat vs Chennai Super Kings (Chennai, 2024)

Match Date: April 19, 2024
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Fast forward to IPL 2024, and SRH found themselves on the receiving end of another crushing defeat against CSK.

What Went Wrong for SRH?

CSK’s Top-Order Destruction:

Ruturaj Gaikwad (98 off 54) and Daryl Mitchell (52 off 40) powered CSK to 212/3.
SRH’s bowlers, including Pat Cummins and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, had no answers to the onslaught.

SRH’s Chasing Woes Continue:

Tushar Deshpande (4/27) dismantled SRH’s top order.
Travis Head (9) and Abhishek Sharma (5) failed to provide a strong start.
SRH were bowled out for 134, failing to even make the game competitive.

Key Takeaway:
Their struggles in high-pressure chases continued, with key batters failing to step up against disciplined bowling.

1) 80-Run Loss vs Kolkata Knight Riders (Kolkata, 2025)

Match Date: April 3, 2025
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

The most recent and heaviest loss in SRH’s IPL history came in IPL 2025, where KKR completely dominated them at Eden Gardens.

What Went Wrong for SRH?

KKR’s Explosive Batting:

Kolkata posted 200/6, with Andre Russell and Shreyas Iyer leading the charge.
SRH’s death bowling, particularly T Natarajan and Jaydev Unadkat, was wayward.

SRH’s Worst Batting Performance in Years:

Chasing 201, SRH were bowled out for 120 in just 16.4 overs.
Travis Head managed only 4 runs, continuing his horrendous record vs KKR.
Vaibhav Arora (3/22) and Andre Russell (3/27) ripped through the lineup.

Key Takeaway:
This match summed up SRH’s biggest issues—a brittle top order, inconsistency in handling spin and pace, and a lack of composure under pressure.

Final Thoughts: Can SRH Overcome These Issues?

Over the years, SRH’s biggest defeats have showcased recurring weaknesses:
Inability to chase big targets
Failure to contain power-hitters
Over-reliance on a few key batters
Inconsistent death bowling

As they move forward in IPL 2025, addressing these gaps will be crucial to reclaiming their status as title contenders rather than a team prone to heavy defeats.

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