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'Feels Like a Repeat of World Cup': Travis Head's Wife Suffers Online Abuse After Virat Kohli Spat During IPL Match
Australian batter Travis Head and his wife Jessica Head have once again become targets of online abuse following a heated moment during the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Jessica Head claimed that she, along with friends and family members, has been receiving abusive messages and hateful comments on social media after the on-field exchange between Travis Head and Virat Kohli during the match.
Jessica Head claimed that she, along with friends and family members, has been receiving abusive messages and hateful comments on social media after the on-field exchange between Travis Head and Virat Kohli during the match.
According to Jessica, the situation reminded her of the online harassment she faced after Australia’s victories over India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final and the World Test Championship final.
Speaking to Australian media outlet The Advertiser, Jessica said, "It felt like 'a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup'."
Speaking to Australian media outlet The Advertiser, Jessica said, "It felt 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," she said.
Several users on social media allegedly posted offensive remarks about Travis Head and Jessica, with some even commenting abusively on photographs from their wedding three years ago. Reports also suggest that a few messages included threats and targeted members of their family.
Several users on social media allegedly posted offensive remarks about Travis Head and Jessica, with some even commenting abusively on photographs from their wedding three years ago. Reports also suggest that a few messages included threats and targeted members of their family.
This is not the first time Jessica Head has faced such abuse from a section of cricket fans. Following Australia’s victories against India in major ICC tournaments in 2023, she reportedly received disturbing online messages, including threats. Similar incidents were also reported after Australia defeated India in the Boxing Day Test in 2024.
Jessica urged fans to remember that cricketers and their families are human beings and deserve respect despite the intense emotions attached to sport.
"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.
"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.
Travis Head has not yet released any official statement on the controversy.
The incident stems from Saturday’s IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, where Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs.
The incident stems from Saturday’s IPL match at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, where Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs.
During RCB’s innings, Kohli and Head were seen exchanging words on the field. While the interaction initially appeared light-hearted, things seemed tense later when Kohli reportedly walked past Head without shaking hands after the match.
CINEMA - Travis Head × Virat Kohli.pic.twitter.com/4gWaXsXQMQ
— Maina Singh (@Maina_Singhx77) May 23, 2026
Head extended his hand towards Kohli, but the former RCB captain appeared to ignore him and moved ahead after greeting Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma. The exact reason behind the exchange, however, remains unclear.
Look behind the whole SRH coaching staff, including Daniel Vettori and Muttiah Muralitharan, were watching Virat Kohli and Travis Head, expecting some drama and ready to stop a fight. But Kohli didn’t shake hands, and everyone started laughing.
— Avénue.1 (@Avnueone8) May 23, 2026
Kohli you character pic.twitter.com/W9CS6KM52t
