Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) batter Travis Head and his wife Jessica were subjected to online abuse after Head’s on-field spat with Virat Kohli.
During the game between SRH and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Head and Kohli were involved in a heated exchange. Kohli, during his stay at the crease, teased Head and signalled him to come to bowl, and when he was dismissed for a mere 15, poked fun at him, saying, “Mate, you got out before I even came on to bowl.”
After the match, refused handshake with Travis Head. In the viral video, Head extended his hand towards Kohli, but the RCB batter went straight past him without making eye contact.
Jessica said that abusive messages were sent not only to them, but also to family and friends. She said that it feels like a repeat after the World Cup. Notably, Head and family were sent hateful messages after Head scored a century to take Australia to a win over India in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final.
“It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup,” she told Australian media outlet The Advertiser.
“I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family.”
Jessica slammed the trolls and asked them to be more respectful towards the players and their families.
“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 added.
“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.”
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Meanwhile, RCB finished the league stage as table toppers and will face Gujarat Titans in Dharamsala on May 26.