Tempers ran high during the intense IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 22, as Virat Kohli and Travis Head got involved in a heated exchange that even carried on after the match.

What happened between Virat and Travis Head?

The drama unfolded during RCB’s tough chase of 256 runs. While Kohli was at the crease, Head appeared to tease him by asking him to play attacking shots. Kohli, known for giving it back on the field, responded with a sarcastic gesture aimed at Head’s role as an Impact Player for SRH. He mockingly made the “Impact Player” sign and told Head to come down and bowl himself instead of talking from the outfield.

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Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan, who was on commentary duty during the game, explained what happened.

“Virat Kohli had invited Travis Head to come to bowl off-spin, he said you always go out as the Impact Player. The banter between the two started again, Kohli invited Head to bowl,” Pathan said during commentary on Star Sports.

Interestingly, Head did end up bowling one over later in the match, although Kohli had already been dismissed by then. In that over, the Australian opener picked up the wicket of RCB skipper Rajat Patidar.

After SRH sealed a comfortable 55-run win, players from both sides lined up for the usual post-match handshakes. During that moment, Head stretched out his hand towards Kohli, seemingly trying to move past the on-field argument.

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Why Kohli refused to shake hands with Travis Head?

However, Kohli walked straight past him without shaking hands or making eye contact. What caught attention was that Kohli continued greeting other SRH players and staff normally, including captain Pat Cummins and opener Abhishek Sharma.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh also shared his thoughts on the incident while speaking on Star Sports.

“Travis Head did extend his hand, but Virat Kohli didn't shake it. I don't know what happened, but Kohli and Head had a bit of banter in the middle. The result of the banter was that Kohli refused to shake hands with Head,” Harbhajan said.


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