Virat Kohli's Handshake Snub Sparks Controversy After RCB's Loss

Virat Kohli's refusal to shake hands with Travis Head after RCB's defeat against SRH has ignited controversy among fans and analysts. While some defend Kohli's competitive spirit, others criticize his actions as unbecoming of a player of his stature. Irfan Pathan has weighed in, suggesting that Kohli's on-field banter is part of his aggressive style of play. Despite the loss, RCB secured a top position in the league, setting up a crucial match against the Gujarat Titans. This incident has left fans divided, with opinions varying on the appropriateness of Kohli's behavior.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 23, 2026, 11:08 IST

Kohli's Controversial Moment

Virat Kohli has found himself at the center of controversy following his refusal to shake hands with Travis Head after the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced a defeat against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The exact reason for Kohli's reaction remains unclear, but during his innings, he had playfully urged Head to bowl. After Kohli was dismissed for just 15 runs while chasing a daunting target of 256, Head reportedly taunted him, saying, “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl.” When the players lined up for the customary handshake post-match, Head reached out to Kohli, who walked past him without acknowledging him. This incident did not sit well with fans, many of whom believe that rivalries should be set aside after the match, especially for someone of Kohli's stature.

Pathan's Defense of Kohli

Pathan Reacts To Handshake Snub

In light of the backlash, Irfan Pathan came to Kohli's defense, suggesting that Kohli enjoys playing cricket with an Australian flair, which includes some friendly banter. "I was commentating during that match. Virat likes to engage in the Australian style of play, which involves a bit of banter and aggression. He was encouraging Head to bowl, saying, 'You are not an Impact Player.' This is typical of him. However, while I understand the competitive spirit, I believe the handshake snub could have been avoided," Pathan remarked on JioHotstar.

RCB's League Stage Performance

RCB Seal Top 2 Finish Despite Defeat

Despite the setback, RCB concluded the league stage as one of the top teams, securing nine victories against five losses, which sets them up for a match against the Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1. Although SRH matched RCB and GT in points, they finished third due to a lower run rate. During the chase of 256 runs, RCB opted for a cautious strategy after Kohli's dismissal, focusing on avoiding a significant loss that could have negatively impacted their run rate. This decision sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some supporting the strategy while others criticized it. RCB is set to face GT on May 26 in Dharamsala.