Australian opener Travis Head has downplayed the heated handshake incident with Virat Kohli following their May 22 clash in IPL 2026, stating there is no
animosity that requires addressing between the two players.
The incident occurred during the SRH vs RCB match where SRH won by 55 runs. During RCB's chase, Kohli and Head exchanged words on the field, and in the post-match greetings, Kohli walked past Head without shaking hands. Kohli had gestured toward Head to take up bowling duties and mimicked the Impact Sub signal.
"I don't think there's anything to patch over. That's just that's what it is. That's yeah. No surprises with how the competition went or what went on. So as expected," Head said as quoted by Code Sports.
What led to the on-field tensions between Travis Head and Virat Kohli?
Head initially challenged Kohli to play attacking shots during his brief stay at the crease, prompting Kohli to respond with sarcasm about Head's role as an Impact Player, mockingly signaling the substitution and telling Head to come down and bowl himself. The confrontation intensified a competitive moment into a heated verbal duel between two of the IPL's most aggressive players.
The fallout extended beyond the field when family members were targeted. Head and his wife Jessica faced online abuse from Indian cricket fans, with hateful comments and private messages sent to them, their friends, and family members.
"It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family," stated Jessica.
Head's measured response reflects his willingness to move past the episode as part of competitive sport. His composure during the controversy signals that both players view the incident as a momentary clash rather than a lasting rupture. With the IPL 2026 season now concluded following the May 31 final in Ahmedabad, the focus has shifted to the next international fixtures and upcoming franchise leagues.
