Irfan Pathan explains Virat Kohli-Travis Head spat, says RCB star plays with 'Australian-style intensity'

Irfan Pathan has weighed in on the fiery on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during the IPL 2026 clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, saying Kohli thrives on an “Australian-style intensity” while playing the game. The heated moment became one of the biggest talking points of the match after Kohli appeared visibly animated during RCB’s chase of 256 and later ignored Head during the post-match handshakes. Speaking on JioHotstar, Pathan described the incident as a natural consequence of high-pressure cricket and competitive emotions during a crucial IPL encounter.

“Virat Kohli has always enjoyed playing cricket with that aggressive Australian-style intensity, a bit of banter, competitiveness, and emotion on the field,” Pathan said. “During that moment, he was asking Travis Head to come on and bowl a few deliveries instead of remaining off the field as an impact substitute. ” Pathan added that such verbal exchanges are common in elite-level cricket, especially when teams are battling for crucial playoff positions.

“These kinds of exchanges are quite natural in high-pressure games, especially when both teams are competing for crucial positions on the points table. In the end, it was simply part of the intensity and competitive spirit that comes with top-level cricket. ” Kohli ignores Head during handshake line The tension between the two players escalated further after the match ended.

As players lined up for the customary post-match handshakes, Head extended his hand towards Kohli. However, the former RCB captain appeared to ignore the Australian opener completely, walking past him without acknowledging the gesture. Kohli, though, was seen greeting other SRH players warmly, including captain Pat Cummins and opener Abhishek Sharma.