Jessica Head Opens Up on Online Abuse After Kohli Row

The IPL 2026 season witnessed an uncomfortable moment when Travis Head and Virat Kohli exchanged words during an SRH versus RCB clash. Following Sunrisers Hyderabad's 55-run win, Kohli declined Head's handshake attempt, a gesture that quickly dominated social media timelines and triggered widespread backlash. Speaking exclusively to The Advertiser, Jessica Head revealed the personal toll this incident has taken on their inner circle. She described waking up to abusive messages flooding her accounts, with much of the vitriol directed not at her husband but at friends and relatives who had nothing to do with the on-field drama. "This is exactly what happened after the World Cup," Jessica noted. "The same pattern of hateful comments resurfaced. We can handle it, but attacking our family and friends crosses a line." She referenced previous instances of trolling after major Australia-India encounters, including the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the WTC final, and the Boxing Day Test. Jessica urged cricket fans to remember that players are human beings with families. She called for greater empathy in online conversations around sport, arguing that passion should never justify cruelty. Her comments come as both teams prepare for crucial playoff matches, with RCB facing Gujarat Titans and SRH taking on Rajasthan Royals in the coming days.