A major controversy erupted after the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on Friday, May 22. Following the 55-run defeat, star RCB batter Virat Kohli refused to shake hands with SRH opening batter Travis Head during the customary post-match greetings.
Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Chasing a massive target of 256 runs, Bengaluru managed only 200/4 in their 20 overs. Despite the defeat, RCB finished at the top of the table, while Sunrisers Hyderabad are set to play in the Eliminator.
Why Virat Kohli Rejected Handshake with Travis Head?
Virat Kohli appeared to ignore Travis Head during the post-match handshakes after Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru. A viral video showed Head offering a handshake, but Virat Kohli walked past without acknowledging the Australian opener.
The tension between the two players started during the match. Kohli celebrated aggressively after Rasikh Salam Dar dismissed Head for 26 runs off 16 balls. Later during RCB’s chase, Virat Kohli and Head exchanged words while Venkatesh Iyer was batting.
Kohli mocked Head with “Impact Sub” gestures and even asked him to come bowl a few deliveries. However, after Kohli fell for 15 runs off 11 balls, Head replied, “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl.”
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
#ViratKohli 🆚 #TravisHead 🥵🤯
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 22, 2026
Tensions rise in high voltage clash🔥#TATAIPL Race to Playoffs 2026 👉 #SRHvRCB | LIVE NOW ➡️https://t.co/52qPTW2gSO pic.twitter.com/JOiWaxNW6T
Sunrisers Hyderabad Crush Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive total through aggressive batting from the top order. Ishan Kishan starred with 79 off 46 balls and won the Player of the Match award, while Abhishek Sharma smashed 56 off just 22 deliveries as SRH posted 255/4 in 20 overs.
Heinrich Klaasen added late momentum with a quick 51 off 24 balls before Hyderabad’s bowlers controlled the chase effectively. Pat Cummins brought Travis Head on to bowl for the first time this season.
The Australian immediately made an impact by dismissing Rajat Patidar, who scored 56 runs off 39 balls before getting caught by Smaran Ravichandran. Head conceded only seven runs in his over as Sunrisers Hyderabad restricted Royal Challengers Bengaluru to 200/4 despite Krunal Pandya’s unbeaten 41.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Secure Top Spot Despite Heavy Defeat
Despite the heavy defeat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru still achieved their main objective. By crossing the 200-run mark and avoiding a massive loss margin, they protected their superior net run rate and secured the top position in the final league standings, confirming their place in Qualifier 1.
At the end of the league stage, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Sunrisers Hyderabad all finished with 18 points. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad ended in third place because of an inferior net run rate and will play the Eliminator on May 27 against the fourth-placed team.
While the top three spots are officially confirmed, the race for the final playoff place remains open. Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Delhi Capitals (DC) are still fighting for qualification with three league matches left to play.
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