Orange Army Anthem
Rising with the Sun
The Sunrisers Hyderabad are a professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Hyderabad, Telangana, that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The franchise is owned by Kalanithi Maran of Sun Group and was founded in 2013 after the Hyderabad-based Deccan Chargers in erstwhile United Andhra Pradesh were terminated by the IPL. The team is coached by Daniel Vettori and captained by Pat Cummins. The home ground of the team is Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium.
- Affiliation
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (IPL)
- Primary Color
- Orange
- Secondary Color
- Blue
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
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. The new ownership group, led by media baron Kalanithi Maran of the Sun Group, secured the Hyderabad-based franchise rights with a successful bid per year for a five‑year period. The formal announcement of the squad took place in Chennai on 18 December 2012. The team logo was unveiled on 20 December 2012, depicting a stylised eagle with outstretched wings rising against the sun. 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.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights hummed against the Hyderabad night sky as the final over approached. The tension was palpable, but then, the stadium speakers crackled to life with the opening notes of the anthem. Instantly, fifty thousand voices rose in unison, a sea of orange shirts swaying and jumping in perfect rhythm. The roar was so intense it seemed to vibrate through the very turf, silencing the visiting team's strategy and fueling the bowler's arm as he ran in for the decisive delivery.
Reader's Guide
The team made their first IPL appearance in 2013, where they reached the playoffs, eventually finishing in fourth place. 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 of the tournament for five consecutive seasons between 2016 and 2020. In 2018, the team reached the finals of the Indian Premier League, but lost to the Chennai Super Kings. In 2024, the team reached the finals of the Indian Premier League, but lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders. 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.
Did You Know?
- The team holds the record for the highest-ever IPL total with 287 runs.
- 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.
- The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the brand value of the Sunrisers Hyderabad which saw a decline of 4% to 57.4 million in 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who composed the Sunrisers Hyderabad anthem?
The track was created by music director G.V. Prakash Kumar specifically for the franchise launch. His composition became a central part of the team audio branding from day one.
When did fans first hear the Orange Army Anthem?
It debuted on 12 March 2013, just days after the official jersey unveiling. This timing helped build excitement for the inaugural IPL season campaign.
What role does the anthem play in stadium culture?
The song transforms the venue into a high-energy environment by uniting supporters with its loud rhythm. It is played extensively during presentations to rally the crowd behind the players on the field.
How does the music reflect the team colors and logo?
Its aggressive tone matches the orange and black jersey scheme designed to symbolize vitality. The rhythm complements the rising sun motif found in the franchise emblem.
Why is this anthem significant to Sunrisers Hyderabad history?
It established a unique sonic identity that distinguishes the team from other IPL franchises. The track remains a nostalgic staple for fans recalling the 2013 debut season.
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