Sunrisers Hyderabad

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Lore & Background

The Sunrisers won their first IPL title in the 2016 season, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 runs in the final. The team has qualified for the play-off stage for five consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2020. In 2018, the team reached the finals but lost to the Chennai Super Kings. In 2024, the team reached the finals but lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders. The team was considered one of the best bowling teams, often admired for its ability to defend low totals, but now has shifted to a remarkable batting team, according to many cricket pundits. The team also holds the record for the highest-ever IPL total with 287 runs.

In Their Own Story

The stadium lights hummed against the night sky as the crowd roared in unison, a sea of orange waving flags under the Hyderabad stars. A bowler from Sunrisers tightened his grip on the ball, feeling the weight of expectation and the electric charge of the Orange Army behind him. As he ran in, the silence before the delivery was palpable, broken only by the crack of willow against leather that signaled another moment of glory for the rising sun.

Reader's Guide

Sunrisers Hyderabad operates as a professional cricket franchise dedicated to excelling in the Indian Premier League. Their primary goal is to win championships while entertaining fans through high-scoring matches and innovative tactics.

The team consists of a mix of international stars and emerging domestic talent, all united under the orange and black banner. Key figures often include charismatic captains and explosive batsmen who define the team's aggressive identity.

In the broader context of IPL conflicts, they serve as a disruptive force, challenging established powers with their unique brand of fast-paced cricket. Their role is to maintain high standards of performance and foster a passionate connection with their supporters.

Did You Know?

• Sunrisers Hyderabad are the only team to win the IPL playing in the Eliminator match.
• David Warner won the Orange Cap three times for SRH, in 2015, 2017, and 2019.
• Bhuvneshwar Kumar won the Purple Cap twice for SRH, in 2016 and 2017.
• The team holds the record for the highest-ever IPL total with 287 runs.
• The franchise was awarded to the Sun TV Network after a successful bid of ₹85.05 crore per year.

Franchise Origins and Ownership

Sunrisers Hyderabad replaced the Deccan Chargers in 2012 and debuted in the 2013 season. The franchise was awarded to the Sun TV Network after the termination of the Deccan Chargers, whose owners were expelled from the league by the BCCI following prolonged financial and operational issues. The new ownership group, led by media baron Kalanithi Maran of the Sun Group, secured the Hyderabad-based franchise rights with a successful bid of ₹85.05 crore (US$8.8 million) per year for a five‑year period. The formal announcement of the squad took place in Chennai on 18 December 2012. The team jersey was unveiled on 8 March 2013, featuring a predominantly orange and black colour scheme. The team anthem, composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, was released on 12 March 2013. The team logo was previously unveiled on 20 December 2012, depicting a stylised eagle with outstretched wings rising against the sun. The initial team management was led by former India opener Kris Srikkanth, who was appointed mentor and chief strategist.

Early Struggles and Strategic Evolution

Sunrisers Hyderabad made their IPL debut in the 2013 season. They retained 20 players from the Chargers. Kumar Sangakkara captained SRH for nine matches and Cameron White was captain for the remaining seven, as well as the eliminator match in the playoffs. In their inaugural season, the team reached the playoffs but were eliminated after losing against Rajasthan Royals by 4 wickets on 22 May 2013. For the 2014 season, the team retained two players, Dale Steyn and Shikhar Dhawan. Shikhar Dhawan and Darren Sammy were named as captain and vice captain respectively. The team finished in 6th place with six wins and eight losses. For the 2015 season, David Warner was appointed as the captain. Sunrisers Hyderabad again finished 6th with seven wins and seven losses. Warner won the first Orange Cap for SRH.

Championship Glory and Consistent Contention

For the 2016 season, Sunrisers Hyderabad were crowned champions under David Warner's captaincy after defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final and ending the season with 11 wins and six losses. They are the only team to win the IPL playing in the Eliminator. Bhuvneshwar Kumar became the first Sunrisers Hyderabad player to win the Purple Cap. For the 2017 season, the team finished 3rd on points. They lost against the Kolkata Knight Riders in the eliminator match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar retained the Purple Cap while David Warner won the Orange Cap. For the 2018 season, David Warner stepped down from captaincy on 28 March 2018 and was not allowed to play in IPL 2018 following the Australian ball-tampering controversy. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was chosen to lead SRH. SRH finished the 2018 season as runners-up after losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final with 10 wins and seven losses. Williamson won the Orange Cap with 735 runs.

Record-Breaking Performances and Star Power

David Warner is the leading run scorer for the team, having won the Orange Cap three times, in 2015, 2017, and 2019. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the leading wicket-taker having won the Purple Cap twice, in 2016 and 2017. The team holds the record for the highest-ever IPL total with 287 runs. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the brand value of the Sunrisers Hyderabad which saw a decline of 4% to US$57.4 million in 2020 as the overall brand value of the IPL decreased to US$4.4 billion, according to Brand Finance.