Why did Virat Kohli not shake hands with Travis Head after the match between Bangalore and Hyderabad? Learn the full story behind it.

Virat Kohli and Travis Head fight

The stakes were high in the 67th match of IPL 2026. Sunrisers Hyderabad could have secured a top-two finish with a big win, but despite a 55-run victory, they had to settle for third place. More than being a high-scoring contest, this match garnered attention for Virat Kohli and Travis Head. The reason why Virat didn't shake hands with Travis Head after the match has caused controversy.

The entire controversy began when Virat Kohli celebrated aggressively after Travis Head's wicket fell. The situation escalated further when, during Bangalore's innings, Travis Head encouraged Virat to play an attacking shot. They even had an argument.

Virat never backs down from challenges. So when Travis Head tried to provoke him, Virat responded by suggesting that instead of talking, Head should try his luck bowling to him. Travis Head came in to bowl, but by then Virat had already been dismissed for 15 runs off 11 balls. Travis Head also found success with his bowling, taking the wicket of RCB captain Rajat Patidar.

Sunrisers Hyderabad won the match by 55 runs. After the match, players from both teams lined up to shake hands. Virat Kohli shook hands with Pat Cummins, Ishan Kishan, and Abhishek Sharma, but did not shake hands with Travis Head. A video of this also went viral on social media. Head extended his hand to Kohli, but the Indian batsman completely ignored him.

Despite losing by 55 runs, Royal Challengers Bangalore advanced to Qualifier 1. They will face Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier. Sunrisers Hyderabad, however, remained in third place in the table despite their victory. They will now have to advance to the final through the Eliminator.