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NEW DELHI: Australia batter Travis Head has spoken publicly for the first time about the controversy involving Virat Kohli during the IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The incident gained attention after cameras appeared to show RCB star Kohli skipping a handshake with SRH’s Head after the game, leading to speculation about a rift between the two cricketers.Head, however, has dismissed the rumours, saying there was no issue to resolve.“I don’t think there’s anything to patch over. That’s just that’s what it is. That’s yeah. No surprises with how the competition went or what went on. So as expected,” Head told Code Sports.
Family affected by online abuse
The controversy took a personal turn when Head’s wife, Jessica Davies, revealed she received abusive messages from fans on social media. Head admitted the online backlash was difficult, especially for his family, although he believes such attention is part of being a professional athlete.“I think Jessica and I have a great perspective on things. That’s the world we live in, and I think she’s amazing in how she handles that kind of stuff. It was more the family stuff was built around it, flowing on to other family members who don’t particularly see that sort of stuff,” he said.Head also praised his wife for staying calm throughout the episode, adding, “Everyone forgets about it in a few days’ time. She handled it extremely well. It’s probably handling it with others and what other people’s perspective of what things are like.”Meanwhile, Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru successfully defended their IPL title by defeating Gujarat Titans in the 2026 final in Ahmedabad.
