The relationship between Virat Kohli and Travis Head turned tense in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the former India captain refused to shake hands with the Australian batter after Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered a heavy 55-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both players engaged in heated exchanges when Kohli opened the innings for Bengaluru, chasing a stiff target of 256 runs. During the exchange, an angry Kohli gestured for Head to bowl.
Kohli also mimicked the 'impact player' substitution move, alluding to Head — who usually plays as a batsman — often being replaced by a specialist bowler after batting in Hyderabad's matches. Head had little time to respond to the challenge, as he was dismissed early for just 15 off 11 balls. However, Head later bowled a spell and dismissed Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar.
After the match, as teams lined up for handshakes, Head extended his hand but Kohli looked straight ahead and walked past. Friday's victory lifted Hyderabad to third place with the same points as Bengaluru, but Kohli's side remains at the top due to a superior net run rate. Both teams have qualified for the IPL playoffs starting Wednesday.
