Mohammed Siraj vs Virat Kohli: Numbers, history and the battle that could decide the IPL 2026 Final

A High-Stakes Clash in Ahmedabad

The stage is set for a blockbuster IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. On Sunday, May 31, the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will square off against the 2022 winners, the Gujarat Titans (GT). While the collective strengths of both squads are undeniable, the spotlight inevitably falls on two former teammates: Virat Kohli and Mohammed Siraj.

The Former RCB Connection

For seven seasons, Mohammed Siraj was a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru bowling attack. His move to the Gujarat Titans in 2025 shifted the dynamic, making this final a particularly emotional and tactically charged affair. Since the transition, both players have become central figures in their respective franchises. Kohli remains the heartbeat of RCB’s batting order—having powered them to glory last season—while Siraj has revitalized the Gujarat Titans’ pace battery alongside stalwarts like Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder.

The Dominance of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli’s record against the Gujarat Titans is nothing short of extraordinary. Across nine matches, the maestro has amassed 503 runs at an average of 72 and a blistering strike rate of 154. His tally includes four half-centuries and a century, establishing him as the highest run-scorer against GT in the history of the tournament. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when necessary makes him the primary threat that the GT management is undoubtedly losing sleep over.

Reflecting on this season, Kohli’s 81-run masterclass in Bengaluru served as a reminder of his clinical prowess, especially during a high-pressure chase. His comfort at the crease against elite bowling—highlighted by his aggressive approach against Kagiso Rabada in Ahmedabad—suggests he is in peak form ahead of the final showdown.

Mohammed Siraj’s Challenge

Mohammed Siraj has enjoyed a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans, providing crucial breakthroughs throughout the 2026 campaign. However, his history against his former side, RCB, presents a mixed bag. In four matches against them, he has claimed 5 wickets at an average of 25.60. While he once dismantled a lineup with a 3/19 performance, he has found the current RCB batting order significantly more difficult to contain this year, conceding runs at an economy rate of 9.14.

For Siraj, the primary goal will be to disrupt Kohli’s rhythm early in the powerplay. The tactical battle between the two will be fascinating, as Siraj knows the nuances of Kohli’s game better than most, having shared the dressing room with him for nearly a decade.

The Head-to-Head Statistics

When delving into the numbers of the individual match-up, the data paints a compelling picture. Despite their long history, Kohli and Siraj have not faced each other for extended periods in recent encounters. Kohli has scored 26 runs off 16 balls from Siraj, maintaining an impressive strike rate of 162.5. Crucially, the pacer has yet to dismiss the batting legend in these brief, sharp exchanges. This year, the sample size has remained small, with Siraj bowling limited deliveries to Kohli across their meetings in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Dharamsala.

Why This Battle Could Be Decisive

While cricket is a team sport, the early exchanges between Kohli and Siraj could set the tone for the final. If Siraj can find his swing and pin Kohli down, the Titans gain a massive psychological advantage. Conversely, if Kohli continues his dominant form against his former teammate, it could deflate the GT bowling attack before they even settle into their rhythm.

Both teams arrive at the final with deep rosters. RCB will look to build on the momentum of Rajat Patidar’s explosive form, while the Gujarat Titans will bank on their disciplined pace trio to keep the run-scoring in check. Regardless of the broader tactical plans, the personal history between these two icons adds an extra layer of tension to an already massive game. As the world watches, the outcome of the IPL 2026 final might well be dictated by those few deliveries where Virat Kohli faces up to Mohammed Siraj.