Kohli Refuses Handshake With Head After SRH’s 55‑Run Victory Over RCB

Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs, and Virat Kohli refused to shake hands with opposing batter Travis Head after the match.

The IPL clash took place in Hyderabad, where SRH posted a formidable total that RCB could not chase. Kohli opened the innings for Bengaluru and was dismissed early, scoring 15 off 11 balls. Despite the loss, RCB remained atop the points table due to a superior net run rate, while SRH moved into third place with equal points.

Travis Head, primarily a batter for SRH, was called upon to bowl later in the game. He delivered an over that dismissed RCB captain Rajat Patidar, adding to his side’s dominance. After the final over, the two players exchanged words; Head extended his hand for the customary post‑match shake, but Kohli looked straight ahead and walked past him.

The incident highlights the heightened tension that can arise in high‑stakes T20 contests, especially when personal rivalries intersect with team competition. Both franchises have already secured playoff spots, setting up a potential rematch in the knockout stage.

Watch for how the teams adjust their strategies in the upcoming playoffs and whether the on‑field friction influences future encounters.