IPL: Travis Head's wife Jessica faces online abuse after SRH player spat with Virat Kohli
New Delhi, May 25
Social media has increasingly become a space where negativity often spreads faster than positivity. It's also strange to see how people who have no direct involvement in an incident can end up becoming targets of online abuse. This trend has been especially visible during the ongoing IPL season.
Recently, Jessica, the wife of Australian batter and Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Travis Head, became the target of online abuse following a viral on-field exchange between Head and Royal Challengers Bengaluru star cricketer Virat Kohli.
Several fans of Virat Kohli flooded the comment sections of Travis Head's pictures with Jessica, making demeaning and inappropriate remarks about her.
Because of offensive language, the comments couldn't be shared here. Jessica reportedly spoke to Australian media and opened up about the hate messages she had been receiving.
Some sensible fans even chimed in the comments section, urging others not to spread hate against anyone.
Amid the backlash, Jessica posted a picture with Travis on Monday evening, the same post that had been flooded with hate comments, appearing to give a subtle yet fitting response to the trolls.
During the recent SRH vs RCB clash, Travis and Virat had exchange of words at the crease and after the match ended, Virat did not shake Travis's hand even though Aussie batter had extended it.
In the ongoing IPL 2026, Virat has made 557 runs in 14 matches at an average of 50.63, with a strike rate of 163.18, including a century and four fifties.
His side RCB will be taking on Gujarat Titans (GT) in Qualifier One at Dharamsala on Tuesday, with the winner earning a spot in the final at Ahmedabad next Sunday.
On the other hand, Head has had a moderate IPL with 393 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.07 and a strike rate of above 168, with two fifties.
His team SRH will take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator, with the winner getting to play the loser of Qualifer 1 in the Qualifier 2 to earn their spot in the IPL final.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Jessica handled it with such grace by posting that picture again! These keyboard warriors need to understand that cricketers are humans too. Virat and Travis had a moment on field, but dragging families into it is just wrong. India mein bahut log cricket ko religion banate hain, but yeh koi religion nahi hai 🌸
As an Australian who follows IPL, I find this behavior appalling. Cricket is a sport of passion but attacking someone's spouse online is cowardly. If you have issues with Travis Head, debate his innings or his strike rate, not his family. Indian fans are generally amazing but this toxic minority spoils it for everyone.
Virat Kohli didn't shake hands? That's disappointing from a player of his stature. But trolling his wife!? Both sides need to grow up. Head should focus on his batting (393 runs is average for an opener) and Virat should be the bigger man. IPL ka mazaak ban gaya hai yeh sab se.
Honestly, this reflects badly on everyone involved. Travis and Virat had a heated moment, it happens in sports. But attacking Jessica? That's just stupid. I'm glad she responded gracefully. Also, Virat's stats this season are phenomenal - 557 runs at 163 strike rate! 🤩 Let's appreciate the cricket instead of spreading hate.
A respectful criticism here: Indian cricket fans need to learn boundaries. We worship our players but that doesn't give us the right to abuse anyone. Whether it's Travis Head or any other player, their families are off-limits. Jessica posting that picture again shows real strength. Hope SRH vs
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.