Virat Kohli declined to shake hands with Travis Head as Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru met at the end of their IPL 2026 contest in Hyderabad on Friday, a moment that drew attention during the customary post-match greetings.
When the players lined up for the traditional handshake exchange, Kohli proceeded to greet SRH skipper Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma. Head, meanwhile, had his arm extended toward Kohli, but Kohli moved past him and continued down the line.
Earlier in the game, during RCB’s chase, Kohli was spotted speaking with Head. The exact reason for the brief discussion was not immediately apparent.
Match situation and chase
- SRH set the target by posting 255 for 4.
- For RCB to finish within the top two, they required at least 166, while going on to top the table demanded a minimum of 178.
- RCB focused on reaching that upper target bracket rather than the finer margins of the chase, ending their innings on 200 for 4.
- In the chase, Kohli struck 15 runs off 11 balls before he was dismissed by Sakib Hussain in the final over of the powerplay.
Playoffs picture
RCB will next travel to Dharamsala for Qualifier 1 against Gujarat Titans, who finished second in the league standings, on May 26. SRH ended third and will take on the winner of the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on May 27.
The remaining fourth playoff berth is still undecided, with Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals all still capable of qualifying with three league matches left.
