What happens on the cricket field is supposed to stay on the field, but a high-tempered exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head has taken a ugly turn online. Following Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 55-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Friday, a video went viral online in which Kohli was seen blowing past Head during the post-match handshake line. The drama spilled onto social media, where toxic sections of the fanbase have launched a barrage of vile personal attacks and threats against Head’s wife, Jessica, and their young family.
What sparked the controversy between Virat Kohli and Travis Head?
The feud between Kohli and Head occurred during IPL 2026 match 67 that saw SRH pile on a massive 255/4 after deciding to bat first. During RCB’s chase, an animated verbal duel unfolded. According to commentators, Head initially bantered with Kohli about playing more attacking shots.
Kohli fired back by mockingly making the “Impact Player” hand gesture and sarcastically challenging the Australian to come down and bowl some off-spin rather than chirping from the boundary.
Look behind the whole SRH coaching staff, including Daniel Vettori and Muttiah Muralitharan, were watching Virat Kohli and Travis Head, expecting some drama and ready to stop a fight. But Kohli didn’t shake hands, and everyone started laughing. 😂
Kohli you character 🔥 pic.twitter.com/W9CS6KM52t
— Avénue.1 (@Avnueone8) May 23, 2026
The tension peaked when Kohli was dismissed for just 15. Head reportedly remarked, “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl,” further aggravating the situation.
Though Head did later bowl a solitary over and dismissed RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, the real flashpoint came post-match.
As the teams lined up for customary greetings, Head extended his hand, but Kohli completely bypassed the Australian opener without making eye contact, choosing instead to warmly embrace Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma.
How did Travis Head’s wife respond to the social media abuse?
In the wake of the viral handshake clip, Jessica Head took to social media and spoke to Australian media outlet The Advertiser to expose a barrage of vile personal messages and threats targeted at her, her friends, and their young daughter.
Calling for a shift in fan culture, she reminded them of the real-world human cost behind online toxicity.
What Happened After World Cup?
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident in cricket. A highly toxic subset of Indian cricket fans has repeatedly targeted foreign players and their families on social media following intense sporting defeats or on-field spats.
The Head family previously faced horrific threats of violence and abuse across multiple historic fixtures:
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The 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) Final, where Head scored a match-winning 163.
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The 2023 ICC ODI World Cup Final in Ahmedabad, where Head’s majestic 137 shattered Indian hearts.
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The 2024 Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
This pattern extends beyond the Head family. Over the years, families of players like Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Marsh, and even Indian players like Hardik Pandya and MS Dhoni have had their personal social media spaces flooded with vitriol whenever results or on-field emotions boiled over.
Who is Travis Head Wife, Jessica?
Travis Head’s wife, Jessica Head (nee Davies), is a well-known Australian model, entrepreneur, and social media influencer.
Born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, Jessica has carved out a successful career in the fashion and lifestyle sectors, frequently collaborating with prominent Australian brands.
The couple’s relationship began in 2015, culminating in a beautiful wedding ceremony in April 2023 in their hometown of Adelaide.
Aside from her professional endeavors, Jessica is a dedicated mother; the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Mila Louise Head, in September 2022.
