The Virat Kohli-Travis Head IPL 2026 controversy has now taken an absurd turn, with several cricket fans mistakenly targeting American rapper Travis Scott on social media because of his first name.What began as an on-field spat during the IPL clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad has spiralled into widespread online trolling, with fans flooding Travis Scott’s Instagram comments section with abuse intended for Head. The bizarre mix-up has stunned social media users, especially considering the rapper has no connection whatsoever to the IPL controversy. Despite many users pointing out the obvious mistake, trolling continued on Scott’s Instagram page, which has over 59 million followers.The incident once again highlighted the darker side of fan culture online, where outrage often spreads faster than facts.
Travis Head and wife reveal online abuse
The social media chaos comes amid reports that Head and his wife Jessica have themselves been subjected to intense online abuse following Friday’s heated IPL encounter.The controversy erupted after Kohli and Head exchanged words during RCB’s chase. According to reports, Head jokingly told Kohli to play more attacking shots, prompting a sarcastic response from the former India captain, who reportedly asked the Australian to bowl himself despite being used as an Impact Player.After Kohli was dismissed for 15 and RCB slumped to a crushing 55-run defeat, tensions appeared to continue during the post-match handshakes when Kohli seemingly ignored Head’s outstretched hand while greeting other SRH players.The moment quickly went viral across social media platforms.Jessica Head later revealed that abusive messages were directed not only at the couple but also at their friends and family members.“I woke up to my socials blasting… we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family,” Jessica told Australian media outlet The Advertiser. “It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup.”
‘There are real people behind the game’Jessica also recalled similar incidents after Australia defeated India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final, the World Test Championship final and the 2024 Boxing Day Test.At the time, even the couple’s young daughter reportedly received disturbing threats online.“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,” Jessica said. “Passion will always be part of sport, but so is remembering there are real people and families behind the game.”
