Sun TV Network

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The era of Sun TV Network began with the termination of the Deccan Chargers, whose owners, Deccan Chronicle Holdings Ltd, were expelled from the league by the BCCI following prolonged financial and operational issues. When 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, it signaled a return to stability for IPL cricket in Hyderabad. This transition was not merely administrative but cultural, introducing a fresh visual identity that resonated with fans across South India. The ownership group prioritized aggressive branding, moving away from previous color schemes to adopt a predominantly orange and black colour scheme intended to symbolise energy, aggression and the rising sun motif. The team logo, unveiled on 20 December 2012, depicted a rising sun with a cricket ball, a design meant to represent resilience, renewal and the continuation of Hyderabad's IPL legacy after the exit of the Deccan Chargers. The stability provided by a large media house allowed for better long-term planning compared to earlier iterations of Hyderabad franchises. Historically, this era is defined by the 2016 championship victory, which remains the pinnacle of the franchise's achievements under this ownership. It validated the investment strategy and cemented Sunrisers as a legitimate force in the tournament. The legacy continues through consistent participation and high-profile player partnerships.

In Their Own Story

The formal announcement of the squad took place in Chennai on 18 December 2012, marking the official transition from the Deccan Chargers era to the Sunrisers Hyderabad brand. 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 and was used extensively in promotional campaigns and stadium presentations during the inaugural season. The initial team management was led by former India opener Kris Srikkanth, who was appointed mentor and chief strategist, with support from a backroom staff that included high‑profile international coaches and consultants. Over time, this structure evolved, with Srikkanth later being replaced by a management group featuring veteran cricketers such as Daniel Vettori, Muttiah Muralitharan and Varun Aaron in various coaching and mentoring roles.

Reader's Guide

The Sun TV Network era began in 2013, marking a fresh start for Hyderabad cricket after the Deccan Chargers franchise was terminated. This ownership group brought corporate stability and a vibrant new orange identity to the league immediately. The entry of Sun TV into the IPL also reinforced the close association between Indian media houses and franchise ownership, with the group leveraging its existing sports broadcasting and entertainment platforms to build the new team's identity and fan base. The defining turning point arrived in 2016 when the team secured their maiden IPL title, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 runs in the final. Led by captain David Warner, this championship cemented Sun TV Network's legacy as serious contenders rather than just new entrants. The victory remains the franchise's only title to date. Following the triumph, the focus shifted to maintaining consistency in a highly volatile tournament format. The team 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 again reached the finals but lost to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Sun TV Network continues to operate the team from their Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium home ground, ensuring Hyderabad retains its place among the league's elite franchises through sustained investment.

Did You Know?

• Sun TV Network secured the Hyderabad franchise rights with a bid of ₹85.05 crore (US$8.8 million) per year for a five‑year period.
• At the time of acquisition, Sun TV Network owned 32 television channels and 45 FM radio stations.
• The team logo, unveiled on 20 December 2012, depicts a rising sun with a cricket ball.
• The team anthem was composed by Thaman S and released on 12 March 2013.
• The initial team management was led by former India opener Kris Srikkanth as mentor and chief strategist.