The on-field tension between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during the IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad has now spilled far beyond cricket.
After the match, Head’s wife Jessica revealed that she and their close ones were targeted with abusive messages online, something she said reminded her of similar incidents following Australia’s victories over India in recent years.
Heated exchange during the SRH vs RCB clash
The controversy began during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 55-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Kohli and Head were involved in a verbal exchange while RCB were chasing a massive target. Kohli was eventually dismissed for 15 runs off 11 balls.
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The moment gained more attention after the game when Head extended his hand during the customary post-match greetings, but Kohli walked past him without responding. Videos of the incident quickly spread across social media.
Jessica Head opens up on online abuse
Following the match, Jessica Head said abusive comments flooded their social media accounts. Several messages also reportedly targeted their friends and family members.
Speaking to an Australian outlet, Jessica said, “It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting... we are fine, but they are attacking my friends and family", according to Hindustan Times.
TRAVIS HEAD'S WIFE ON THE ABUSE IN SOCIAL MEDIA: [The Advertiser]
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 25, 2026
"It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup. I woke up to my socials blasting - we are fine but they are attacking my friends & family - I think across all sports at the moment there’s…
Reports stated that many of the abusive comments appeared under old family and wedding photographs shared online.
Similar incidents after previous India-Australia matches
This is not the first time the Head family has faced such behaviour online. Jessica reportedly said similar abuse followed Australia’s wins in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final, and the 2024 Boxing Day Test.
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She also spoke about the broader issue surrounding fan behaviour in sports and the impact it can have on players’ families. Jessica said, “I think across all sports at the moment there’s an important conversation around mental health, perspective, and the way we speak to one another. Passion will always be part of sport, but so is remembering there are real people and families behind the game. Hopefully, this encourages more kindness and support for one another", as per Hindustan Times.
While Travis Head has not released an official statement on the abuse, reports noted that he later shared an Instagram story saying, “Keep the body guessing.”
