MUMBAI: The IPL 2026 season has delivered thrilling cricket, explosive batting, and dramatic finishes, but it has also witnessed heated on-field moments — from aggressive celebrations and unnecessary send-offs to visible player frustration.
Kohli-Head Handshake Incident
One such incident came after Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on Friday, when Virat Kohli appeared to avoid shaking hands with Australia opener Travis Head after the match. During the chase, Kohli was also seen exchanging words with Head.
Hardik Pandya's Frustration
In another flashpoint earlier this week, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya broke the stumps in frustration after teammates Deepak Chahar and Robin Minz dropped a catch during MI’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata.
Gavaskar's Take on Emotions
Reacting to such incidents, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar said emotions can boil over in high-pressure situations.
“In the heat of the moment, things happen. Anybody can snap,” Gavaskar said on Sunday at the launch of the eighth edition of Midwicket Stories.
“Everybody wants to be the best role model possible, but all of us are human and sometimes we fail those standards. Today, everything comes into the public domain much quicker than before,” he added.
BCCI's Stance
Meanwhile, TOI has learnt that neither the BCCI nor the IPL is likely to censure Kohli for not shaking hands with Head, as handshakes fall under the “spirit of cricket” and are not mandatory.
“Even India and Pakistan players don’t always shake hands after matches,” a BCCI source said.
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