Travis Head’s wife, Jessica, has addressed the social media abuse faced by their family following an on-field incident involving Virat Kohli during an IPL match last week.
ADELAIDE – Jessica Head, the wife of Australian cricketer Travis Head, has spoken out about the social media abuse directed at her family and friends after a recent on-field confrontation between her husband and Indian cricketer Virat Kohli. This incident occurred during an IPL 2026 match between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad last week.
During the match, Kohli and Head exchanged words, although the specifics of their conversation remain unclear. Following the Sunrisers’ 55-run victory, Head attempted to greet Kohli with a handshake during the customary post-match pleasantries. However, Kohli walked past him without acknowledging the gesture, opting instead to greet other players from his team.
The incident quickly gained traction on social media, sparking a wave of intense reactions from fans and commentators alike. Jessica expressed her dismay at the situation, stating, “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.”
She further revealed that similar instances of online harassment had occurred after significant matches, including Australia’s victory over India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final, and the 2024 Boxing Day Test. Jessica urged fans to adopt a more respectful attitude towards cricketers and their families on social media platforms.
“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 said. “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.”
Jessica’s comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by athletes and their families in the digital age, where social media can amplify both support and criticism. As the conversation around mental health in sports continues to evolve, her call for compassion and understanding resonates with many.
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The information in this article was reported by The Advertiser.