Virat Kohli refuses to shake hands with Travis Head after heated exchange in SRH vs RCB clash - WATCH

Virat Kohli was involved in a tense on-field moment and later refused to shake hands with Travis Head after the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Hyderabad on Friday.

The incident happened during RCB’s massive chase of 256 when Kohli and Head had a heated exchange on the field. Kohli told Head, “Okay come down and bowl some deliveries,” after the Australian made a remark that triggered the former India captain. After Kohli got out a few balls later, Head came back and said, “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl,” which triggered the RCB batter even more.

At the end of the game, when players from both sides came together for the traditional handshake, Kohli refused to shake hands with Head even though the Australian attempted to extend his hand. Kohli was seen shaking hands with other players, including SRH skipper Pat Cummins, who is also Head’s compatriot. But as soon as Kohli passed Head, he just ignored him and moved ahead.

Irfan Pathan slams Kohli

The gesture has now sparked discussion in the cricket world, with former India cricketer Irfan Pathan saying that the post-match incident could have been avoided. He added that while on-field aggression is part of the game, refusing a handshake after the match was not the right gesture from Kohli.

As far as the match is concerned, RCB lost by 55 runs as they failed to chase down the massive target of 256 runs set by SRH batters. Despite the loss, RCB managed to keep their top spot intact in the points table and secure the Qualifier 1 clash with Gujarat Titans, who are in second place.

SRH will now have to wait to find out their opponent for the Eliminator clash. Rajasthan Royals and Punjab Kings are in contention for the remaining one playoff spot, with RR slightly ahead in the race.

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