Travis Head's wife speaks out on online abuse after husband's on-field spat with Virat Kohli: 'Feels like repeat of World Cup'
Australian cricketer Travis Head's wife Jessica has opened up on the fallout of the on-field incident involving Virat Kohli during the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 league-stage match.
Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica have been subjected to online abuse following his on-field altercation with Virat Kohli during the SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium last Sunday.
The incident took place during Bengaluru's innings, when Kohli engaged in an animated verbal exchange with the SRH opener and signalled gestures. The controversy deepened after the star Indian batter also refused to shake hands with Head post-game, walking past the Aussie cricketer despite him extending his hand.
Following the Kohli handshake fallout, Head and his wife were targeted with abusive messages on social media, with users attacking their Instagram posts with distasteful comments.
'I woke up to my socials blasting'
Speaking to the Australian media outlet The Advertiser, Head's wife Jessica said that her friends and family members were also targeted.
More from Firstcricket"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," Jessica said.
She emphasised the need for perspective in sports, urging fans to remember the human side of players.
“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,” she added.
Head and his family faced similar hostility in 2023 when Australia won the ODI World Cup final after defeating India at home.
RCB, SRH march into IPL 2026 playoffs
The Sunrisers Hyderabad secured a 55-run victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but the Kohli-Head on-field spat became a major highlight of the night. RCB, however, maintained their position at the top, securing a Qualifier 1 spot and would face the Gujarat Titans on May 26.
Meanwhile, SRH claimed a spot in the eliminator and will face the Rajasthan Royals on Wednesday, May 27, at the New PCA Stadium.
Rohit Sharma finally responds to growing speculation over his India future: 'Let the noise be there'
Shubman Gill pins India's loss on death-over lapses after England run riot: 'We gave away lot of runs'
Rohit shines with historic Lord's ton, but England seal series 2-1
India and England players don black armbands, observe minute's silence at Lord's to honour Sir Garfield Sobers
India coach shrugs off Rohit Sharma form woes amid speculation on ODI future: 'He brings that calmness'