Mohammed Siraj vs Virat Kohli: Numbers, history and the battle that could decide the IPL 2026 Final
The Ultimate Showdown at the Narendra Modi Stadium
As the cricket world turns its eyes to Ahmedabad this Sunday, May 31, the atmosphere is electric. The defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), prepare to lock horns with the 2022 titleholders, Gujarat Titans (GT). While the team dynamics are complex, the spotlight remains firmly on two individuals who share a storied history: former RCB stalwart and current GT pacer Mohammed Siraj, and the legendary Virat Kohli.
A Reunion of Rivals
For seven seasons, Siraj was a pillar of the RCB bowling attack. His move to the Gujarat Titans in 2025 shifted the landscape of the rivalry significantly. Now, the two forces collide on the biggest stage of the season. Kohli, who led RCB to glory last year, continues to be the team’s most prolific run-scorer in IPL 2026, while Siraj has blossomed into a key component of a formidable GT pace battery alongside Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.
The Kohli Dominance Factor
Virat Kohli’s record against the Gujarat Titans is nothing short of extraordinary. Across nine matches, he has amassed 503 runs at a stunning average of 72 and a strike rate of 154. With four fifties and a century to his name, Kohli is mathematically the most successful batter against the Ahmedabad-based franchise in IPL history. His ability to perform under pressure was highlighted this year when he chased down a 206-run target in Bengaluru, and his aggressive stroke-play in Ahmedabad—where he dismantled Kagiso Rabada in a single over—remains a highlight of the season.
The Siraj Perspective
Mohammed Siraj’s journey against his former team has been a mix of highs and lows. After a scintillating debut against RCB in 2025, where he claimed 3/19 and earned the Player of the Match award, his form against them has fluctuated. In the 2026 campaign, RCB has managed to keep the pacer relatively quiet, restricting him to two wickets across three meetings. With an overall average of 25.60 and an economy rate of 9.14 against his old side, Siraj will be desperate to make a significant impact in the final.
Decoding the Head-to-Head
The tactical battle between these two is intriguing because of its brevity. While Kohli has succumbed to the threat of Jason Holder and Kagiso Rabada this season, he has largely maintained his composure against Siraj. The numbers reveal a one-sided trend: in 16 balls faced, Kohli has scored 26 runs against Siraj without ever losing his wicket. This translates to a strike rate of 162.5. Despite their five meetings, the actual number of deliveries bowled by Siraj to Kohli has been minimal—often restricted to just a handful of balls per game. This lack of sustained engagement suggests that the final might provide the first true, extended battle between the two.
What to Expect in the Final
The Gujarat Titans will be wary of the threat posed by the RCB top order, particularly given the recent form of Rajat Patidar. However, the early exchanges between Siraj and Kohli could prove to be the defining chapter of the match. If Siraj can find his rhythm early and disrupt Kohli’s flow, GT’s chances of reclaiming the title increase exponentially. Conversely, if Kohli sees off the new-ball threat, it could set the tone for another mammoth RCB total. As the teams take the field in Ahmedabad, the subplot of this former teammate rivalry adds a layer of depth to an already highly anticipated final. Fans are in for a tactical masterclass, and the result may very well hinge on which player controls their nerves during those critical first few overs.
