Virat Kohli faced criticism on social media after appearing to ignore Travis Head during the post-match handshake following Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday.
Video footage from the handshake line showed Kohli greeting Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma before bypassing Head, who had extended his hand. Kohli then shook hands with Ishan Kishan and the remaining Hyderabad players without acknowledging the Australian opener.
The incident followed a heated exchange between Kohli and Head during Bengaluru’s chase of 255 in Hyderabad. Cameras caught the pair trading words in the fourth over as Kohli gestured towards Head and appeared to mock his role as an impact player.
Hyderabad have often used Head primarily as a batter this season, with limited time spent fielding. Later reports claimed Head responded to Kohli after the Bengaluru batter lost his wicket.
“Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl.”
Head eventually bowled late in the innings and dismissed Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar. It marked his first bowling appearance of the season.
The confrontation quickly spread across social media after the match, with many fans accusing Kohli of taking the on-field tension too far by refusing the handshake.
Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan also criticised the moment during a television appearance.
“Look, many things can happen in the heat of the game, that’s fine. But what happened afterwards was not right at all.”
IPL matches regularly feature aggressive exchanges, sledging and emotional celebrations, especially in high-pressure games involving leading teams. However, post-match handshakes usually close those rivalries once the result becomes final.
Hyderabad secured their playoff place with the victory after posting 255 at home against the table-toppers. The two sides could meet again in the knockout stage.
