New Delhi

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has brushed aside the heated exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during Indian Premier League, saying such moments are part and parcel of the intensity associated with elite-level cricket.

The incident occurred during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where Kohli appeared to taunt Head over his repeated use as an Impact Substitute, urging the Australian batter to bowl instead of remaining off the field.

Kohli, however, was dismissed shortly afterwards for 15 off 11 balls, after which Head responded with a verbal send-off. The tension seemingly carried over beyond the game, with Head attempting a handshake after Hyderabad’s 55-run victory, only for Kohli to walk past without acknowledging him.

“Virat Kohli has always enjoyed playing cricket with aggressive Australian-style intensity, including banter, competitiveness and emotion,” Pathan said while speaking as a JioStar expert.

“He was asking Travis Head to come and bowl instead of staying off the field as an Impact Substitute. Such exchanges are common in high-pressure matches, especially when teams are fighting for crucial positions on the points table,” he added.

Pathan said the confrontation should be viewed purely as part of the competitive spirit that defines top-level cricket.

Meanwhile, former India opener Virender Sehwag backed Venkatesh Iyer to continue opening for Bengaluru ahead of the playoffs and suggested that a fully fit Phil Salt should replace the struggling Jitesh Sharma in the playing XI.

Iyer has impressed in recent outings, scoring 73 and 44 after getting opportunities higher up the order following an injury to skipper Rajat Patidar.

“Venkatesh is most effective at the top of the order. He proved that with Kolkata earlier and has grabbed his chances for RCB too,” Sehwag said.

Salt, who had scored 202 runs in six innings before suffering a finger injury, has rejoined the squad after recovery.

“If Salt returns, I would retain Venkatesh at the top and leave out Jitesh Sharma, who hasn’t been in good form,” Sehwag added.

Sehwag also expressed concern over Punjab Kings’ inconsistent bowling attack ahead of their crucial final league game against Lucknow Super Giants.

He said Punjab’s inability to strike consistently in the middle overs had repeatedly hurt the team and warned that Australian batter Mitchell Marsh could pose a major threat, especially during the powerplay.

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“They have lacked a reliable wicket-taking option in the middle overs, and that weakness has been exposed several times,” Sehwag said.