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The IPL 2026 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) turned completely dramatic after a fiery moment between Virat Kohli and Travis Head stole all the spotlight on Friday (May 22) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Sunrisers Hyderabad may have crushed Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs to book an IPL 2026 playoff spot, but it was Kohli’s angry reaction and his cold behavior towards Head after the match that has been ruling the headlines across the platforms.
Virat Kohli vs Travis Head turns the SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 clash into full drama
It all started with Virat Kohli and RCB players’ wild celebration after Travis Head was dismissed for 26 by Rasikh Salam, and that tension was slowly building up to the defending champions’ chase in Hyderabad. When the RCB icon came to bat, he looked fully charged up and started sledging Head.
Read Also: Revealed: Why Virat Kohli rejected handshake with Travis Head in IPL 2026?
Some viral visuals hinted that Head had challenged Kohli to execute some big hits, and this worked in SRH’s favor. This move left the former Indian captain angry. Kohli seemingly tried to tease Head over his impact substitute role this season and challenged him by saying to come and bowl “a few deliveries.”
#ViratKohli 🆚 #TravisHead 🥵🤯
Tensions rise in high voltage clash🔥#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 👉 #SRHvRCB | LIVE NOW ➡️https://t.co/52qPTW2gSO pic.twitter.com/JOiWaxNW6T
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 22, 2026
The explosive Australian batter has been mostly used as an impact player this season, and Kohli targeted him over that with gestures from the crease. This banter impacted the RCB superstar as he got dismissed after scoring just 15 runs from 11 balls.
Handshake controversy explodes after Kohli-Head sledging row
After the wicket, Head gave it back instantly. “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl,” Head replied after Kohli’s dismissal. He must have realized this game cost him his wicket.
After SRH sealed the massive win, players from both teams lined up for the usual handshakes. Kohli greeted Pat Cummins and other SRH players normally, but things became awkward when Head came forward.
Read Also: “Been fantastic”: Pat Cummins praises SRH bowling unit after beating RCB in IPL 2026
The Australian opener stretched his hand out, but Kohli ignored him completely and kept walking without any reaction. The head looked surprised for a second before quietly moving on.
Uncomfortable to watch extreme bad behavior by a man of such stature didn’t expect this from Virat Kohli #SRHvsRCB pic.twitter.com/cTfMV9RuDD
— AVNISH 🇮🇳 (@avnishh26) May 22, 2026
Virat Kohli loses his cool in the dugout even before ignoring Travis Head’s handshake offer
Meanwhile, a video went viral on social media after RCB’s crushing defeat, where the frustration on Kohli’s face was clearly visible later in the innings. With RCB struggling badly during the chase, broadcasters showed him sitting inside the dugout looking extremely disappointed.
Moments later, the dashing right-handed batter suddenly got up from his seat and walked away angrily as the match slipped out of RCB’s hands.
The heated moment on the field with Head must have been on his mind when he came out for the customary handshake and ignored him completely.
HOT!💅 pic.twitter.com/tz74Io9hnw
— browniesofar (@yessandnooo) May 22, 2026
RCB finish top despite crushing loss as IPL 2026 playoff race turns dramatic
On the other hand, despite the heavy defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have still finished at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
RCB won 9 out of their 14 league matches and ended with 18 points. Gujarat Titans also finished with 18 points but stayed in second place because of a lower net run rate.
SRH grabbed third position with the same points tally but an even lower NRR. Now, only one spot left to take. Rajasthan Royals are currently fourth with 14 points but are yet to confirm qualification.
Punjab Kings are fifth with 13 points, while Kolkata Knight Riders are sixth with the same number of points. Both teams still have one league game remaining. Even the Delhi Capitals are still hanging in the race from eighth place with 12 points and one match left to play.
