NEW DELHI: Australian cricketer Travis Head and his wife Jessica have once again faced online abuse from some Indian cricket fans after a heated IPL 2026 moment involving Virat Kohli went viral. Jessica said hateful comments and private messages were sent not only to them but also to their friends and family members after the match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. “It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup,” she told Australian media outlet The Advertiser.“I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family.”Jessica also revealed that similar abuse happened after Australia defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final and the 2024 Boxing Day Test. At that time, even their young daughter received disturbing threats online. She urged fans to be more respectful on social media.“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,” 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.”
What happened between Virat Kohli and Travis Head?
The latest controversy started during an IPL 2026 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. During RCB’s chase, Kohli and Head exchanged words on the field after Head reportedly told Kohli to play more attacking shots. Kohli responded sarcastically by asking Head, who was playing as an Impact Player, to come bowl himself. As soon as Kohli got out, Head hit back, saying he didn’t get the chance to bowl, which Kohli supposedly didn’t like.
Do you think social media platforms should impose stricter regulations on hate speech?
After SRH won the match by 55 runs, Head tried to shake hands with Kohli during the post-match greetings. However, Kohli walked past him without responding, while greeting other SRH players normally. The moment quickly went viral on social media and sparked intense reactions online.
