Travis Head Reacts to Viral Virat Kohli Handshake Moment, Says ‘Nothing To Patch Over’
Australian cricketer Travis Head has recently spoken out about the viral handshake incident with Virat Kohli during IPL 2026 and the subsequent online abuse directed at his wife, Jessica Head.
Australian batter Travis Head has publicly addressed the widely discussed handshake incident involving Indian superstar Virat Kohli during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, an event that subsequently led to significant online trolling targeting his wife, Jessica Head. Speaking recently, Head dismissed any notion of a personal feud with Kohli, characterising the interaction as a normal part of competitive sport. Travis Head’s Wife Jessica Condemns Cyberbullying Following Virat Kohli Spat, Compares It to World Cup Fallout.
The Viral Handshake Incident
The controversy originated during an IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Head's team, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), captained by Kohli. Following SRH's victory, television cameras captured what appeared to be an awkward exchange during the customary post-match handshakes, with Kohli seemingly walking past Head without engaging in a handshake. This moment quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking intense debate among fans and leading to widespread speculation about a rift between the two prominent cricketers.
Dismissing Feud Rumours
Head has now moved to quell the speculation, asserting that there is 'nothing to patch over' between him and Kohli. 'I don’t think there’s anything to patch over. That’s just that’s what it is… No surprises with how the competition went or what went on. So as expected,' Head stated to Code Sports, suggesting that the incident was perceived differently by external observers compared to those involved in the game. He emphasised that such competitive moments are inherent to professional sport and indicated that the interaction has not impacted his relationship with the Indian batter. Virat Kohli Avoids Handshake With Travis Head After On-Field Altercation During SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 Match (Watch Video).
Impact on Family and Online Trolling
The aftermath of the viral moment took a more personal turn when Head's wife, Jessica Head (also known as Jessica Davies), became the target of online abuse and trolling. Jessica had previously spoken out about the difficulty of the situation, drawing parallels to similar abuse experienced after the 2023 World Cup final. Head acknowledged the challenges posed by online backlash, particularly when it extended beyond him and his wife to affect other family members who are unaccustomed to such public scrutiny. He praised his wife for her composure and resilience in handling the situation, noting her ability to navigate the intense public attention.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns within the sporting world regarding the increasing prevalence of online harassment directed at athletes and their families, highlighting the need for greater awareness and measures to combat such behaviour.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2026 02:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).