New Delhi, May 23 (H.S.): A tense moment unfolded after the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match in Hyderabad when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli appeared to ignore Sunrisers Hyderabad batter Travis Head during the customary post-match handshake, sparking widespread discussion among fans and observers.

Following the conclusion of the match, players from both teams lined up on the field for the traditional handshake. During the interaction, Kohli shook hands with Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins and batter Abhishek Sharma, but appeared to walk past Travis Head without acknowledging him. Head was seen extending his hand, but Kohli moved ahead without reciprocating the gesture.

Earlier in the match, there were also visible exchanges between Kohli and Head, suggesting some on-field tension between the two players. However, the exact reason behind the apparent verbal altercation has not been officially confirmed.

In the match, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive total of 255 for 4 after batting first. In reply, Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to score 200 for 4. RCB needed to reach a particular score threshold to retain the top position in the points table and appeared to approach their chase with that strategy in mind.

Kohli opened the innings for Bengaluru but was dismissed for 15 runs off 11 deliveries. He was sent back to the pavilion by Saqib Hussain in the final over of the powerplay.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 on May 26 in Dharamshala, with a place in the final at stake. Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad, who finished third in the standings, will play the Eliminator in New Chandigarh on May 27.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar