The IPL has always thrived on emotion, intensity and fierce competition and a Friday night clash. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru It reminded fans once again why the tournament remains one of cricket’s greatest spectacles. It was a heated interaction between SRH as they produced a dominant all-round performance to beat RCB by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Virat Kohli and Head of Travis came into the limelight after the match.
Virat Kohli refuses to shake hands with Travis Head after thrilling clash
In a video that went viral shortly after the game, Kohli was seen skipping the customary post-match handshake with Head and immediately sparked a debate on social media. Fans were quick to break down the moment frame by frame, with many attributing it to the apparent tension between the two players during the match.
As players from both the teams lined up to shake hands after the game, Kohli greeted several SRH cricketers, including the captain. Pat Cumminsthe opener Abhishek Sharmaand keeper-batter Ishan Kishi. However, Kohli walked past him without recognizing him when Bash approached during the line-up.
The brief moment quickly became one of the most talked about events of the evening, with fans divided over whether it was intentional or just a split-second misunderstanding in a crowded handshake line.
We present the video:
Virat Kohli did not shake hands with Travis Head after the match. pic.twitter.com/74UEXm1aUV
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) May 22, 2026
The rivalry between Kohli and Head intensified during the game
The tension between the two players was already evident long before the match. During SRH’s innings, Kohli celebrated passionately after Chief’s dismissal for 26. Rasikh Salaam Dar. His animated reaction immediately caught the attention of commentators and viewers.
Later, during RCB’s tough chase of 256, cameras caught Kohli and Bash exchanging words in the middle. Kohli also made aggressive gestures against the Australian pacer, inviting him to try bowling. In a dramatic turnaround, Head finally bowled and made an instant impact by dismissing the RCB skipper. Rajat PatidarBattling hard with a well crafted 56 off 39 delivery. The wicket proved decisive in ending Bengaluru’s hopes of a remarkable chase.
SRH dominated to register a crucial win
Amidst the drama, Hyderabad produced one of the strongest batting performances of the season. SRH amassed a massive 255 for 4 after being put into bat. Kishan led the attack with 79 points Abhishek Sharma 56 beaten up above. Heinrich Klaasen added extra firepower with a quick 51.
In reply, RCB managed 200 for 4 despite Patidar’s resistance. SRH’s bowlers cleverly mixed the pace and maintained control throughout the chase to seal a comfortable victory. Despite the loss, Bengaluru secured a crucial lead by maintaining their position in the top two rungs of the points table thanks to a healthy Net Run Rate.
Also WATCH: IPL 2026 – Rasikh Salam uproots Travis Head with a sensational yorker during SRH vs RCB
