Virat Kohli and Travis Head were involved in a tense moment during and after the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), with Kohli refusing to shake hands with the Australian batter following RCB’s heavy defeat.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs in a high-scoring encounter that also impacted the IPL playoffs race.
The drama continued after the final ball when players lined up for the customary post-match handshakes.
Kohli shook hands with SRH captain Pat Cummins and opener Abhishek Sharma but appeared to ignore Travis Head, who had his hand outstretched waiting to greet the former India captain.
Kohli looked straight ahead and moved on to the next player in line, a moment that quickly drew attention on social media.
Heated exchange during RCB chase
The tension between Kohli and Head had already surfaced earlier during RCB’s run chase.
Chasing a massive target of 256, Kohli and Head exchanged heated words while RCB were batting. During the exchange, a visibly frustrated Kohli gestured towards Head, seemingly asking him to bowl.
Kohli also mockingly made the “impact player” substitution gesture, apparently referring to Head often being substituted out after batting so Hyderabad can bring in a specialist bowler.
Kohli falls early, Head strikes later
Head did not get much time to respond on the field as Kohli was dismissed soon after for 15 runs off 11 balls.
The RCB opener fell to Sakib Hussain in the final over of the powerplay.
However, Head later bowled an over in the match and picked up the wicket of RCB captain Rajat Patidar.
SRH post huge total against RCB
Sunrisers Hyderabad had earlier posted a massive 255 for 4, putting Bengaluru under immense pressure.
RCB needed at least 166 runs to secure a top-two finish in the IPL 2026 league stage and 178 runs to finish at the top of the table. The team appeared focused on improving net run rate rather than simply chasing victory.
Despite ending on 200 for 4, Bengaluru fell 55 runs short.
IPL playoffs picture takes shape
Friday’s result left third-placed Hyderabad level on points with Bengaluru. However, RCB remained at the top of the table due to a superior net run rate.
RCB will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 in Dharamsala on May 26, while Sunrisers Hyderabad will play the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on May 27.
The race for the fourth and final playoff spot remains open, with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals still in contention with three league matches remaining.
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