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Australia's star opener Travis Head and his wife Jessica became victims of social media abuse from Indian cricket fans after the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter's heated exchanges with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) veteran Virat Kohli in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 encounter. Jessica said that she has received hateful comments in her DMs (Direct messages) on Instagram. Not just her, her friends and family members have been subjected to social media abuse as well. She went on to say it feels like the repeat of ODI World Cup 2023 final when Head scored a match-winning century against Rohit Sharma-led India.
“It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup,” she told Australian media outlet The Advertiser.
“I woke up to my socials blasting... we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family.”
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Not just after the ODI World Cup 2023 final, Jessica said that it happened after World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 final and Boxing Day Test 2024 as well.
Back then, her younger daughter received vile threats as well. She wants the fans to be more respectful considering players' mental health and their families.
“I think across all sports at the moment there’s an important conversation around mental health, perspective and the way we speak to one another,” she added.
“Passion will always be part of sport, but so is remembering there are real people and families behind the game. Hopefully this encourages more kindness, and support for one another.”
What transpired between Kohli and Head?
Kohli and Head exchanged unpleasantries during RCB’s unsuccessful run chase at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Head had signalled to his skipper Pat Cummins to bowl outside off stump to produce an outside edge off Kohli’s bat. Later, when Head had a go at Venkatesh Iyer, Kohli signalled impact player, asking Head to come and bowl. Head had the last laugh as Iyer and Kohli were dismissed in the powerplay overs. The part-time off-spinner came on to bowl the penultimate over and dismissed RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, his first IPL wicket in nine years.
After the match, Kohli refused to shake hands with Head during customary handshake. Head had extended his hand but Kohli chose to ignore him and move ahead.
Head vs Kohli again?
If SRH beat Rajasthan Royals in Eliminator, they may face RCB in next few days. In this case, if RCB lose to Gujarat Titans (GT), they will face SRH in Qualifier 2. If RCB win Qualifier 1 and SRH beat GT in Qualifier 2, they will face defending champions in the final.
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