Wasim Jaffer criticizes Virat Kohli's post-match conduct with Travis Head

Travis Head and Virat Kohli (Agency Image)

Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes Virat Kohli should have drawn the line after the game despite the heated exchange with Travis Head during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. The Kohli -Head confrontation became one of the biggest talking points from the high-scoring clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium. Cameras caught Kohli exchanging words with Head while the Australian batter was at the crease, with the tension seemingly carrying over after the match when the RCB star did not shake hands with him. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Jaffer admitted that Australian players are known for their aggressive on-field behaviour but felt Kohli should have moved on once the match ended. "We don't know the depth of what happened. Australians get behind you and are very tough on the field. They play hard and keep needling you. But people know you don't have to trigger Virat," Jaffer said. The former opener added that while emotions can flare up during a game, post-match interactions should remain respectful. "I don't know what happened but at least he should have shaken hands. That thing should end on the ground. Then you have to shake hands and move on. You should not carry it," he stated. Jaffer also stressed that Kohli’s stature in world cricket means every action is closely watched by fans across the globe. "Kohli is an ambassador of the game. Everyone watches him. So all his steps need to be that way as he is a role model for millions. It was not right," he said. Despite criticising Kohli’s reaction, Jaffer also suggested there may have been more to the incident than what viewers saw on television. "I think he will reflect. We don't know what has happened but from the outside, it feels like you must move on. He is too big a player to be doing this," he added. The match itself ended in disappointment for RCB as SRH piled up 255/4 before restricting the visitors to 200/4 to seal a dominant 55-run win. However, Jaffer believes the crushing defeat could actually help RCB reset before the playoffs. "After looking at the game, you do get some doubts. It was a big defeat. All your players were playing as well," he explained. The cricketer-turned-commentator described the loss as a timely warning before the knockout phase begins. "I think that before the Qualifier, a defeat is a wake-up call. I don't think it is a bad thing for RCB. They will think that they need to tighten their screws before the Qualifier. There are some concerns. But the playoffs is a different ball game altogether," Jaffer noted. Jaffer also shared his views on RCB’s opening combination heading into the playoffs, especially with Phil Salt returning from injury. While Salt remains a dangerous option, Jaffer backed Venkatesh Iyer to continue opening alongside Kohli after his recent performances. "You will be tempted. But my problem is he has not played a lot. There is no match practice. You are not far away from the Qualifier so we don't know how fit he is," Jaffer said about Salt. He added that current form should be prioritised over reputation ahead of the playoffs. "He is a dangerous player but would you straight away play someone who has not had game time? Or would you prefer Venkatesh Iyer who is in form. I am practical and would rather go with an in-form player rather than take a chance on an unfit player even though he is Salt," he explained. "Venkatesh Iyer is in good form so I might as well continue with him," Jaffer concluded.