Sunrisers Hyderabad: From Deccan Chargers to IPL Champions
SRH have always punched above their weight in the IPL — built on world-class bowling and smart recruitment, from their 2016 title to the T20 explosion of 2024.
Deccan Chargers to Sunrisers
Sunrisers Hyderabad replaced the Deccan Chargers franchise in 2013 after Deccan's owners failed to meet financial obligations. The Chargers had won the 2009 IPL title (Adam Gilchrist's remarkable 2009 campaign). SRH, owned by Sun TV Network, built on that Hyderabad cricket tradition and created a new identity with an orange jersey and methodical recruitment.
The 2016 IPL Title
SRH won the IPL in 2016 under David Warner's explosive opening batting and a disciplined bowling unit featuring Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mustafizur Rahman, and Ashish Nehra. The final against RCB — where RCB had home advantage at Chinnaswamy — produced a low-scoring thriller. SRH defended 208 to win by 8 runs, completing an unlikely turnaround from a season of dominant batting in the field.
The Warner Controversy
David Warner was a pillar of SRH's batting until the 2018 sandpaper gate scandal led to a 12-month international cricket ban. Warner was released by SRH during his ban, a decision that caused friction. When Warner returned, he was eventually excluded from SRH's squad entirely in 2023 — a dramatic falling out that Warner publicly criticised.
The 2024 Batting Revolution
Under Pat Cummins's captaincy in 2024, SRH transformed into the IPL's most explosive batting team, regularly posting totals of 250+. Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, and Pat Cummins formed a ferocious top and middle order. SRH scored 287/3 against RCB — the highest total in IPL history. Despite reaching the 2024 final, they lost to KKR.
SRH's 287/3: IPL's Highest Total
In 2024, SRH scored 287/3 against RCB in a group match — the highest-ever IPL innings. Travis Head (102* off 41 balls) and Abhishek Sharma (63 off 23 balls) opened with an astonishing powerplay assault that redefined what is achievable in T20 batting.
Frequently asked questions
How many IPL titles have SRH won?
Sunrisers Hyderabad have won one IPL title — in 2016, defeating RCB in the final.
What franchise did SRH replace?
SRH replaced the Deccan Chargers in 2013 after Deccan's franchise was terminated for financial irregularities.
What is the highest score in IPL history?
SRH scored 287/3 against RCB in 2024 — the highest innings total in IPL history.