‘Could be avoided’: Virat Kohli’s handshake snub cooks up a storm

Virat Kohli's rivalry with Australian players has often produced memorable moments over the years.

Updated on: May 23, 2026, 09:57:35 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Irfan Pathan defended Virat Kohli for his aggressive approach against Travis Head. Kohli hogged the spotlight on Friday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru crashed to a 55-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final IPL 2026 league fixture. He took centre stage with his aggressive approach towards Head. During his brief stay at the crease, he was spotted pointing towards Head, signalling him to come and bowl. Kohli also teased him with the Impact Player gesture. SRH usually use Head as an Impact Player, introducing him when they bat. But on Friday, Head wasn't an Impact Player and was also present during RCB's run chase.

During the customary post-match handshakes, Virat Kohli ignored Travis Head. (X)

Kohli was dismissed for only 15 runs in the final over of the power play. After the match, when both teams were doing the customary handshakes, Kohli also ignored Head, walking past the Aussie opener without acknowledging him.

Also Read: Virat Kohli was fuming even before Travis Head approached him after the match; left dugout in anger as RCB chase slipped

‘This could be avoided’

Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan said, "Yes, I was doing commentary at that time. Look, Virat also likes to play cricket the way the Australians do. Little banter, little aggression, little talk of 'okay, come down and bowl some deliveries.' That's what he was saying, "You are not an Impact Player." Generally, he is an Impact Player, and he goes out of the field. He asked him to bowl, something happened, and he was calling him as well. Look what happened after the game. I am not going to talk much about it. But what happened on the field, it's okay, it happens. You want to play aggressively, you want to wear your heart on the sleeve and that little banter, little aggression."

But Pathan also felt that Kohli should have avoided the handshake snub. "This could be avoided," he added.

Kohli's rivalry with Australian players has often produced memorable moments over the years. This incident also carries shades of that familiar competitive edge. Social media exploded within minutes as clips of Kohli teasing Head and later ignoring him went viral. Some supporters backed Kohli's intensity, and others felt that it was unnecessary.

Altercations like these have become part of cricket's theatre, especially in franchise tournaments where emotions are high and pressure is relentless. Kohli, in particular, is known for building his reputation on wearing his emotions openly. Whether it's celebrating wickets, pumping up crowds or confronting opponents, he has always played with visible intensity.

Meanwhile, it also showed Head's stature in world cricket. Over the last few years, he has developed a reputation for thriving in big moments, especially against India.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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