Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica Head have again faced online abuse following a viral on-field exchange involving Virat Kohli during an IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Jessica Head told Australian media that hateful messages were directed not only at the couple but also at their relatives and friends after clips from the match circulated widely online. “It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup,” she said, adding, “I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine, but they are attacking my friends and family.”
The controversy stemmed from a verbal exchange during RCB’s chase, when Head reportedly told Kohli to play more aggressively. Kohli allegedly responded sarcastically by asking Head, who was being used as an Impact Player, to bowl himself. After Kohli’s dismissal, Head reportedly referenced the earlier exchange again.
Attention intensified further after Hyderabad’s 55-run victory, when Head appeared to extend a handshake during the post-match greeting,s but Kohli walked past him while greeting other SRH players. The moment quickly spread across social media platforms.
Jessica also recalled similar abuse after Australia’s victories over India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, World Test Championship final, al and 2024 Boxing Day Test, urging fans to show greater empathy online.
