The most-awaited tournament of 2026, the IPL, began with a clash of the southern derby, between defending champions, RCB, and the power-packed SRH. The match started with RCB captain Rajat Patidar winning the toss and opting to field. SRH was represented by the T20 World Cup winner, Ishan Kishan. The opening pair for SRH comprised the Indian sensation, Abhishek Sharma and the explosive Travis Head.

Despite a fierce opening duo, SRH lost their first wicket to the RCB bowler, Jacob Duffy, in the second over itself. Abhishek Sharma was caught behind the wickets by Jitesh Sharma, the RCB wicket-keeper, while attempting the pull shot.

Kohli’s reaction to Head’s wicket

What caught viewers' attention wasn’t just the early wicket, but Bangalore’s heart-boy, Virat Kohli’s reaction to Travis Head’s wicket in the same over. Travis Head also fell to Jacob Duffy’s second-over magic as both the openers got out in the second over.  

Following Abhishek Sharma’s wicket, the SRH fans still had high hopes for the Kishan-Head partnership. However, they were left disappointed as Head tried hitting the ball at the deep square leg, where he was caught by Phil Salt in what appeared to be an impossible catch.

As soon as Salt took the catch, Kohli was seen teasing Head with what seemed a very aggressive reaction. WATCH: Virat Kohli played best shot of the night against Eshan Malinga in IPL 2026 opener

Meanwhile. Virat Kohli would be playing his first T20 match after playing the 2025 Final at Ahmedabad and returning to white-ball cricket after a dream tournament in the ODI bilaterals against New Zealand in January.