A major flashpoint hit the IPL on Friday night after Virat Kohli refused to shake hands with Travis Head following RCB’s lopsided loss to SRH in their 2026 match. During the contest, Kohli told Head to come and bowl at him, arguing he would not be replaced in the game, unlike situations that have happened to him on other occasions. It landed as a sharp dig. But Kohli’s own batting didn’t last long—he soon departed for 15 off just 11 balls. At that moment, Head hit back: “Mate, you are out before I can come to bowl.” The exchange triggered tense scenes in the aftermath.
Controversies involving Virat Kohli in the IPL
Over the years, Kohli has been part of several heated run-ins with rival players, whether in India colours or while representing RCB. Here’s a look at some of the biggest IPL controversies tied to the former captain.
1. Feud with Gautam Gambhir
In 2013, after Kohli was dismissed against Kolkata Knight Riders, he traded words with the KKR captain of the time, Gautam Gambhir. The situation escalated to the point where it needed intervention—Delhi all-rounder Rajat Bhatia stepped in to separate them. Since then, Kohli and Gambhir have generally not shared a good rapport, even though they attempted to reset things once Gambhir took over as India’s head coach.
2. Another confrontation with Gambhir
In 2023, Gambhir was working as the mentor for Lucknow Super Giants. During an RCB versus LSG game, Kohli had a clash with Afghan fast bowler Naveen-ul-Haq. After the match ended, Gambhir confronted Kohli about the same incident, pushing their relationship to a fresh low.
3. Attempt to intimidate Suryakumar Yadav
Back in 2020, Kohli tried to rattle Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav with an extended stare. At that time, Surya was on the verge of breaking into the national team, and with Kohli serving as India’s captain, many felt it could have spelled the end of his India hopes. However, events didn’t follow that script, and the story turned out differently.
4. Shreyas Iyer’s discontent
In 2025, during a match where RCB defeated Punjab Kings—led by Shreyas Iyer—Kohli celebrated with his feet held far apart, a gesture that also appeared to be a playful jab at Iyer. Iyer didn’t receive it well. Later, Kohli attempted to clarify that he meant it purely as teasing and that there was nothing more behind it, but Iyer still looked unhappy.
5. Chaos after Rajat Patidar’s dismissal
Earlier this season, Kohli was furious when RCB captain Rajat Patidar was ruled out following a catch review against Gujarat Titans. The catch was taken by Jason Holder, and Kohli believed the fielder had grounded the ball on grass. He felt the decision was wrong and confronted the match officials.
There were other instances too in similar circumstances. In 2022, Kohli reacted strongly after being given lbw to Dewald Brevis, who at the time played for Mumbai Indians. Then in 2024, he showed clear frustration after an appeal resulted in him being dismissed off Harshit Rana—after review, though, it was determined that the ball was not above waist height.
