Virat Kohli refuses post-match handshake with Travis Head after on-field tussle; video goes viral

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) veteran opener Virat Kohli refused customary handshake with Sunrisers Hyderabad’ (SRH) overseas player Travis Head following their on-field tussle in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match 67 on May 22. After RCB faced a 55-run defeat in their last league match of the season, players of both teams walked out for the customary handshake. Head wanted to shake former RCB teammate Kohli’s hand but the latter ignored him and moved on to other players.

The video of the incident has gone viral on social media -

Earlier in the innings, Kohli had an argument with Head. While Venkatesh Iyer was going all guns blazing, Head had a few words to say. Kohli came to his teammate's rescue and dared Head to come on and bowl to him. He also teased the Australian opener with an impact player gesture as he is often subbed out after the batting innings. 

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Iyer, Kohli fall in powerplay overs

In the fifth over, Iyer fell to Eshan Malinga after a blazing 19-ball 44. In the next over, young Sakib Hussain got rid of Kohli. The opener managed to score 15 runs from 11 balls in the run chase of 256. 

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Head gets Patidar 

For the penultimate over, SRH skipper Pat Cummins introduced Head into the attack against Rajat Patidar. The RCB captain ensured RCB finish as table toppers with his half-century. On the second ball of Head's over, Patidar went for a lofted shot but was caught by Smaran Ravichandran. He scored 56 runs from 39 deliveries, featuring six fours and a six. In his only over, Head conceded just seven runs. This was also the first time Head bowled in the ongoing IPL 2026. 

With the bat, Head had scored 26 runs from 16 balls, including five boundaries. He was knocked over by Rasikh Salam Dar in the fourth over. 

Who will SRH face in Eliminator?

SRH finished the league stage with 18 points but their net run rate (NRR) is inferior to RCB and Gujarat Titans (GT). They will play the Eliminator against the fourth team that qualifies for playoffs on May 27. Currently, Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and even Delhi Capitals (DC) have a chance to make it to the playoffs.