Irfan Pathan defended Virat Kohli for his aggressive approach against Travis Head. Kohli hogged the spotlight on Friday as Royal Challengers Bengaluru crashed to a 55-run defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their final IPL 2026 league fixture. He took centre stage with his aggressive approach towards Head. During his brief stay at the crease, he was spotted pointing towards Head, signalling him to come and bowl. Kohli also teased him with the Impact Player gesture. SRH usually use Head as an Impact Player, introducing him when they bat. But on Friday, Head wasn’t an Impact Player and was also present during RCB’s run chase.
Kohli was dismissed for only 15 runs in the final over of the power play. After the match, when both teams were doing the customary handshakes, Kohli also ignored Head, walking past the Aussie opener without acknowledging him.
‘This could be avoided’
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan said, “Yes, I was doing commentary at that time. Look, Virat also likes to play cricket the way the Australians do. Little banter, little aggression, little talk of ‘okay, come down and bowl some deliveries.’ That’s what he was saying, “You are not an Impact Player.” Generally, he is an Impact Player, and he goes out of the field. He asked him to bowl, something happened, and he was calling him as well. Look what happened after the game. I am not going to talk much about it. But what happened on the field, it’s okay, it happens. You want to play aggressively, you want to wear your heart on the sleeve and that little banter, little aggression.”
But Pathan also felt that Kohli should have avoided the handshake snub. “This could be avoided,” he added.
Kohli’s rivalry with Australian players has often produced memorable moments over the years. This incident also carries shades of that familiar competitive edge. Social media exploded within minutes as clips of Kohli teasing Head and later ignoring him went viral. Some supporters backed Kohli’s intensity, and others felt that it was unnecessary.
Altercations like these have become part of cricket’s theatre, especially in franchise tournaments where emotions are high and pressure is relentless. Kohli, in particular, is known for building his reputation on wearing his emotions openly. Whether it’s celebrating wickets, pumping up crowds or confronting opponents, he has always played with visible intensity.
Meanwhile, it also showed Head’s stature in world cricket. Over the last few years, he has developed a reputation for thriving in big moments, especially against India.
