Virat Kohli Skips Handshake With Travis Head After SRH vs RCB Clash

A brief moment involving Virat Kohli and Travis Head grabbed attention after the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Hyderabad on Friday, as Kohli appeared to ignore Head during the customary post-match handshake line.

As players from both teams lined up after the match, Kohli was seen shaking hands with SRH captain Pat Cummins and opener Abhishek Sharma. However, when Head extended his hand to greet him, Kohli walked past without acknowledging the gesture and moved on to the next player.

The incident quickly drew attention among fans and on social media, though there was no immediate explanation from either player regarding the exchange.

Earlier in the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 255 for 4, putting Royal Challengers Bengaluru under pressure in a crucial league-stage encounter. RCB needed at least 166 runs to secure a top-two finish and 178 to finish at the top of the table. Prioritising net run rate despite the difficult chase, RCB ended on 200 for 4.

Opening the innings, Kohli managed 15 runs off 11 balls before being dismissed by Sakib Hussain in the final over of the powerplay.

Despite the defeat, RCB finished among the top two teams and will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26.

Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a third-place finish and will play the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on May 27.

Meanwhile, the race for the final playoff spot remains open, with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals still in contention with three league matches remaining.