The IPL has always thrived on emotion, intensity, and fierce rivalries, and Friday night’s clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru once again reminded fans why the tournament remains one of cricket’s biggest spectacles. While SRH produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat RCB by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, it was the fiery interaction between Virat Kohli and Travis Head that stole the spotlight after the match.
Virat Kohli snubs handshake with Travis Head after thrilling clash
A video clip that surfaced online shortly after the game appeared to show Kohli skipping the customary post-match handshake with Head, instantly triggering debate across social media. Fans quickly dissected the moment frame by frame, with many linking it to the visible tension that had built between the two players during the match.
As players from both teams lined up to exchange handshakes after the game, Kohli was seen greeting several SRH cricketers, including captain Pat Cummins, opener Abhishek Sharma, and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan. However, when Head approached during the line-up, Kohli appeared to walk past without acknowledging him.
The brief moment quickly became one of the most discussed incidents of the evening, with fans divided over whether it was intentional or simply a split-second misunderstanding in a crowded handshake line.
Here’s the video:
Virat Kohli didn’t shake hands with Travis Head after the match ended. pic.twitter.com/74UEXm1aUV
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) May 22, 2026
Kohli and Head’s rivalry intensified during the game
The tension between the two players had already become evident much earlier in the contest. During SRH’s innings, Kohli celebrated passionately after Head was dismissed for 26 by Rasikh Salam Dar. His animated reaction immediately drew attention from commentators and spectators alike.
Later, during RCB’s challenging chase of 256, cameras captured Kohli and Head exchanging words in the middle. Kohli was also seen making aggressive gestures toward the Australian batter, seemingly inviting him to try bowling. In a dramatic twist, Head eventually came on to bowl and made an instant impact by dismissing RCB captain Rajat Patidar, who had been fighting hard with a well-made 56 off 39 deliveries. The wicket proved crucial in ending Bengaluru’s hopes of a remarkable chase.
SRH dominate to register an emphatic win
Amid the drama, Hyderabad delivered one of their strongest batting performances of the season. SRH piled up a massive 255 for 4 after being put in to bat. Kishan led the charge with a blistering 79, while Abhishek Sharma hammered 56 at the top. Heinrich Klaasen added further firepower with a rapid 51.
In response, RCB managed 200 for 4 despite Patidar’s resistance. SRH’s bowlers mixed pace cleverly and maintained control throughout the chase to seal a comfortable victory. Even in defeat, Bengaluru secured an important advantage by maintaining their position in the top two of the points table thanks to a healthy Net Run Rate.
Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Rasikh Salam uproots Travis Head with a sensational yorker during SRH vs RCB showdown
