Travis Head and his wife Jessica have been targeted by sickening trolls after the Australian cricketer’s Indian Premier League spat with Indian superstar Virat Kohli.
The incident occurred on Saturday (AEST) as Head’s Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Kohli’s Royal Challengers by 55 runs in a T20 match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
It is understood Head and Kohli exchanged heated verbals during the Indian batsman’s innings, although it is unclear what ignited the altercation.
Kohli made 15 off 11 balls before being dismissed, and then proceeded to snub Head’s attempt at a handshake at the end of the match.
Watch the handshake snub in the video player above
Kohli shook hands with Pat Cummins and Abhishek Sharma but then clearly ignored Head’s outstretched hand.
Online trolls quickly picked up on the moment and launched a personal attack on Head by leaving a barrage of Instagram comments on his wedding photo from three years ago.
Many of them are not suitable for publishing, with one saying: “I will make your mother naked and make her **** with a dog,”
While a sinister message added: “Travis Head is in danger.”
And another said: “Don’t mess with Virat Kohli.”
Head’s wife Jessica and then two-year-old daughter Milla were previously targeted by Indian fans in 2023 following Australia’s wins in the World Test Championship and ODI World Cup.
On that occasion, the horrific messages included threats of rape and kidnapping.
Similar social media abuse was also aimed at Head and his family after the Aussies beat India on Boxing Day in 2024.
In response to the latest spate of shocking messages, Jessica posted: “It feels 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.
“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.
“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.”
Head’s Instagram story after the game simply read: “Keep the body guessing.”
Some have speculated this was referencing the lack of a handshake with Kohli, but this remains unclear.
