Hyderabad: After the 67th league match of the IPL between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) here on Friday, RCB legend Virat Kohli reportedly refused to shake hands with Hyderabad’s Australian opener Travis Head.
Something appeared to have happened during the match, as after Hyderabad sealed victory, Kohli shook hands with SRH captain Pat Cummins and opener Abhishek Sharma while the Hyderabad players stood in a line. However, despite Travis Head extending his hand, Kohli avoided shaking hands with him.
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After Hyderabad posted 255 for four, Bengaluru could manage only 200 for four, resulting in a 55-run victory for Hyderabad. SRH batter Ishan Kishan, who scored 79 runs off 46 balls, was named Man of the Match.
Verbal Exchange During the Match
While RCB were chasing the massive target of 256, an exchange reportedly took place between Kohli and Travis Head. The exact reason behind the tension remains unclear.
According to reports, while Kohli was batting, Travis Head made a comment from the field. In response, Kohli said, “Okay, you come and bowl a few deliveries then.”
Virat Kohli didn’t shake hands with Travis Head after the match ended. pic.twitter.com/74UEXm1aUV
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) May 22, 2026
A short while later, after Kohli lost his wicket, Travis reportedly replied, “Mate, you got out even before I came on to bowl.”
For RCB, captain Rajat Patidar top-scored with 56 runs. Kohli was dismissed for 15 when he played a straight drive off Saqib Hussain towards cover, where Ravichandran Smaran completed the catch.