'Came, Bowled And...': SRH Join Virat Kohli-Travis Head Banter With Subtle Dig

Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru clashed on Friday night with both teams having already secured qualification for the IPL 2026 playoffs. However, the contest was far from a dead rubber, with both sides still in the race for a top-two finish: a crucial advantage that offers a shorter route to the final.

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RCB’s equation was straightforward: either win the match or ensure their net run rate stayed above SRH’s even in defeat.

For SRH, the challenge was more complicated. They not only needed to win but also secure a massive victory to significantly boost their net run rate and overtake RCB in the standings. While SRH managed to win the match, RCB ensured they did enough in the 256-run

chase to retain top spot in the IPL 2026 points table and seal a place in Qualifier 1.

While RCB’s progression to Qualifier 1 dominated the headlines, an on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head grabbed attention and later became a major talking point after appearing to spill over into the customary post-match handshakes.

RCB opener Kohli was involved in a verbal exchange with his SRH counterpart Head during the game.

Though it remains unclear what triggered the banter, Kohli appeared to gesture towards Head to come and bowl, even making the ‘Impact Sub’ signal. Head has largely been used by SRH as a specialist batter this season before being replaced by a bowler while fielding.

Head eventually rolled his arm over, albeit late in the RCB innings. By then, Kohli had already departed after being dismissed in the final over of the Powerplay.

The SRH batter made an immediate impact with the ball, claiming the wicket of RCB captain and half-centurion Rajat Patidar in his first IPL over since 2024. It was also Head’s first wicket in the competition since 2017.

Later, during the customary post-match handshake, Kohli appeared to ignore Head completely.

SRH, meanwhile, seemed to subtly join in on the banter through a social media post.

Came, bowled and walked away with a wicket 😎 pic.twitter.com/i0zd6q4h1O

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) May 22, 2026

“Came, bowled and walked away with a wicket,” SRH posted on X, with several users interpreting it as a reference to Kohli seemingly challenging Head to bowl during the match.

RCB will return to action on Tuesday when they face Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier while SRH will play the Eliminator but must wait a little longer before their opponent is determined with as many as three teams still in the fray for the fourth and final playoffs spot.