Travis Head calls IPL handshake with Kohli a competition

Australian cricketer Travis Head has publicly addressed a viral incident involving Indian star Virat Kohli, dismissing speculation of a personal rift and confirming the exchange was merely part of on-field competition. The controversy stemmed from a moment during the 2026 Indian Premier League season when Kohli appeared to bypass Head during the post-match handshake after a game between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Hyderabad.

Speaking to Code Sports on July -24, 2026, Head downplayed the significance of the interaction. He stated there is nothing that needs to be sorted out between him and Kohli and that such moments are part of the tournament. Head specifically said he does not think there is anything to patch over, describing the incident as unsurprising given the nature of the competition. While television footage showed the two players exchanging words during the match while Kohli was batting, Head did not reveal the content of that conversation.

The incident, however, escalated beyond the field, leading to a wave of online abuse directed at Head's wife, Jessica Davies. Head acknowledged that the social media backlash was difficult, particularly for...