Travis Head’s Instagram story after Virat Kohli no handshake incident© X (Twitter) | Instagram
There was no handshake between Virat Kohli and Travis Head after the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) match in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 concluded on Friday. Kohli refused to shake hands with Head, despite the latter extending the offer, looking to put aside what transpired between the two on the field. However, Kohli was in no mood to settle the difference, especially after his team was handed a 55-run defeat in the contest. After the game, Head posted a cryptic story on his official Instagram account, which has fans wondering if it was in reference to what happened between him and Kohli.
Kohli didn’t have the best of an outing against SRH. He was dismissed by Sakib Hussain for just 15 runs off 11 balls. However, before Kohli was sent packing by the Hyderabad rookie, a lot transpired between him and Head in the middle. Head seemed to have challenged Kohli to hit big shots. This prompted the RCB star to say, “Now that you are not going to be substituted, you might as well bowl.”
After the game concluded. Head captioned an Instagram story on his account: “Keep the body guessing”, a comment that many felt was a reply to Kohli’s no-handshake after the game.
Travis Head’s Insta story
“Keep the body guessing” pic.twitter.com/nxuXB3SEs1
— Neil (@PsychDominant) May 22, 2026
The No Handshake Controversy
On-field banter in cricket is common but the incident between Kohli and Head reached a tipping point when Kohli was dismissed shortly after for 15 runs. As the former RCB captain walked back to the dugout, Head reportedly delivered a sharp parting comment, mocking the fact that Kohli had been sent packing before Head even had a chance to bowl to him. The raw frustration from that dismissal clearly lingered long after the final ball of SRH’s comprehensive 55-run victory.
The definitive moment of the row occurred during the traditional post-match greetings. As the two teams formed lines to exchange handshakes, television cameras caught Head extending his hand towards Kohli. Kohli completely looked away, ignored the gesture, and walked straight past the Australian. While Kohli warmly greeted other SRH players immediately afterwards, including Australian captain Pat Cummins, his deliberate snub of Head has sharply divided the cricket world over post-match etiquette versus the game’s intense competitive spirit.
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