Mohammed Siraj vs Virat Kohli: Numbers, history and the battle that could decide the IPL 2026 Final
The Ultimate Showdown in Ahmedabad
The stage is set for a monumental finale on Sunday, May 31, as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), lock horns with the 2022 titleholders, Gujarat Titans (GT), at the fortress of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. While the team dynamics are complex, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the tactical and personal battle of Mohammed Siraj vs Virat Kohli: Numbers, history and the battle that could decide the outcome of the trophy.
A Changing of Guards and Renewed Rivalries
For years, Mohammed Siraj was a cornerstone of the RCB pace attack, spending seven illustrious seasons in Bengaluru. However, since his move to the Gujarat Titans in 2025, the dynamic has shifted significantly. Siraj now spearheads a lethal pace battery alongside Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder, forming a formidable trio that has been instrumental in GT’s march to the final. Conversely, Virat Kohli continues to be the heartbeat of the RCB batting lineup, having spearheaded their title-winning campaign last year and currently leading their run-scoring charts for the 2026 season.
The Kohli Factor Against Gujarat
Virat Kohli’s record against the Gujarat Titans is nothing short of exemplary. Across nine matches, he has amassed 503 runs at an impressive average of 72 and a strike rate of 154. His record includes four fifties and a century against the franchise, making him the highest run-scorer against GT in IPL history. Earlier this season, Kohli displayed his class at Bengaluru, scoring an incredible 81 to chase down a daunting target of 206. His ability to dominate even the best bowlers, including taking five fours in a single over off Kagiso Rabada in Ahmedabad, proves that he is the man GT needs to dismiss early to stay competitive.
Siraj’s Quest for Redemption
Mohammed Siraj’s journey since leaving RCB has been a mix of highs and lows against his former side. In 2025, his first encounter against RCB was a masterclass, where he claimed 3/19 to secure a Player of the Match award. However, the 2026 season has been more challenging for the pacer against the Bengaluru unit. In three matches this year, Siraj has managed only two wickets, and he faced a difficult outing in the first Qualifier at Dharamsala, where he conceded 46 runs in three overs. His overall record against his former team stands at five wickets in four matches, with an economy rate hovering around 9.14.
The Statistical Breakdown of the Duel
The tactical battle between these two stalwarts is intriguing because, despite five matches between the sides, they have crossed paths at the crease only briefly. Kohli has dominated this specific head-to-head match-up. In 16 balls faced against Siraj, Kohli has scored 26 runs at a strike rate of 162.5 without ever being dismissed. Siraj has been cautious, often bowling short spells to the master batter, with this year’s encounters seeing him bowl only 5, 5, and 4 balls to Kohli respectively. While Kohli has faced dismissals against other GT bowlers like Jason Holder and Rabada this season, he has largely remained untroubled by Siraj.
Will the History Repeat?
As the final approaches, the tactical approach of both teams will be scrutinized. Can the GT coaching staff devise a plan for Siraj to finally get the better of his former captain, or will Kohli continue his dominance? RCB will be wary of the threat posed by the GT pace unit, especially after the explosive batting display by Rajat Patidar in the Qualifier. However, the battle between the bat of Kohli and the ball of Siraj is expected to be the defining narrative of the first powerplay. With the championship on the line, the psychological edge currently lies with Kohli, but in the high-pressure environment of an IPL final, history often gives way to the moment. Fans are braced for an electric contest where every run and every wicket carries the weight of a title. All eyes will be on the pitch in Ahmedabad to see if the status quo remains or if the Gujarat Titans can find a way to silence the RCB legend.
