Virat Kohli was involved in a heated moment after an IPL 2026 match. The match was between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
During the match, Kohli had on-field verbal exchanges with Travis. After the game ended, when players usually shake hands, Kohli did not shake hands with Head, which led to a big controversy.
Irfan said the situation looked like something that could have been avoided. He pointed out that aggression during the match is normal, but refusing a handshake after the game was not necessary.
Harbhajan also reacted and said he does not know the full context of what was said between them during the match. He suggested that some exchange may have triggered Kohli’s reaction.
Another former player, Abhinav Mukund, also expressed surprise, saying such behaviour is not usually seen from Kohli.
SRH also reacted on social media after the match, adding more attention to the incident. The main point of discussion remains Kohli’s decision not to shake hands after the final whistle, which many former players felt could have been avoided.
Irfan Pathan Defends Virat Kohli–Travis Head Sledging Incident
Irfan said Kohli’s on-field aggression and verbal exchanges with Travis were fine and part of competitive cricket. He said Kohli likes playing with intensity, similar to Australian-style banter, and the “come and bowl” type comments were part of that exchange.
But he also clearly said the post-match moment was not ideal. He felt Kohli refusing the handshake with Head should not have happened and could have been avoided, even if emotions were high after the match.
Virat Kohli and Travis Head Heated Exchange and Post-Match Handshake Incident After SRH vs RCB Clash
Kohli had a heated exchange with Travis during the SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 match. Head first asked Kohli to play more aggressive shots, which started the argument. Kohli replied back and even mocked Head’s “Impact Player” role, telling him to come and bowl instead of talking.
Later in the match, Head actually bowled an over but after Kohli was already out and even took Rajat Patidar’s wicket. After SRH won by 55 runs, players lined up for the handshake. Head tried to shake hands, but Kohli walked past him and did not respond. He still greeted other SRH players normally.
After the match, Travis posted an Instagram story saying “Keep the body guessing”. This came right after the heated moment with Kohli in the SRH vs RCB game.
Head asked Kohli to play more aggressively, and Kohli responded by telling him to come and bowl instead of talking. Later, Kohli was out for 15 runs, and there were also reports of a sharp comment from Head while Kohli walked back.
The Instagram post made fans think it was linked to that incident. But nothing was officially confirmed.
Virat Kohli Breaks T20 Partnership Record Despite RCB Loss to SRH in High-Scoring Clash
Kohli made history during SRH vs RCB by becoming part of the most 50-plus partnerships in men’s T20 cricket.
He reached 211 such stands, moving past Alex Hales (210). David Warner is third with 200, followed by Babar Azam (196) and Chris Gayle (191). In the match, Kohli added a 60-run opening stand with Venkatesh Iyer. He scored 15 runs before getting out.
SRH dominated the game overall and posted 255/4. They got help from Ishan Kishan (79), Abhishek Sharma (56), and Heinrich Klaasen (51). RCB replied with 200/4 and lost by 55 runs. But still finished top of the table due to net run rate.
RCB Top IPL 2026 Points Table Despite Heavy Defeat to SRH in High-Scoring Clash
RCB finished the league stage at the top of the IPL 2026 points table even though they lost to SRH by 55 runs in a high-scoring match in Hyderabad.
SRH scored a huge total of 255/4. Abhishek Sharma (56 off 22), Ishan Kishan (79), and Heinrich Klaasen (52). Even Nitish Kumar Reddy added a quick 29* at the end to push the score past 250.
RCB started their chase strongly with Venkatesh Iyer (44 off 19) giving a fast start. Kohli scored 15, and Devdutt Padikkal made 21. Rajat Patidar held the innings with a 56 off 39, and Krunal Pandya finished unbeaten on 41.
RCB ended on 200/4, losing by 55 runs.
Even with the loss, RCB secured the top spot. Because their net run rate was strong enough. Gujarat Titans finished second. SRH stayed third. All three teams ended on 18 points. So net run rate decided the top two.
FAQs
Q. What caused the controversy between Virat Kohli and Travis Head?
A. Kohli had a verbal exchange with Head during the match. He later did not shake hands after the game.
Q. How did Irfan Pathan react to the incident?
A. Irfan said the on-field aggression was fine. But the post-match handshake refusal should have been avoided.
Q. What did Harbhajan Singh say about the situation?
A. Harbhajan said he did not know the full context of their on-field exchange.
Q. How did the SRH vs RCB match end?
A. SRH won the match by 55 runs after scoring 255/4.
Q. Did Virat Kohli shake hands with SRH players?
A. Kohli greeted other SRH players. But did not shake hands with Travis
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