Travis Head and his wife have been subjected to vile online abuse after the Australian star's heated on-field clash with Virat Kohli exploded into one of the Indian Premier League's ugliest social media storms.

The fallout from the fiery exchange during the IPL clash between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru spiralled out of control, with Head's family and close friends also reportedly targeted by trolls.

The controversy erupted after television cameras showed Kohli refusing to shake Head's hand after the Aussie's SRH side scored a 55-run win over RCB.

During the match, Kohli and Head exchanged words in the middle, although it remains unclear exactly what sparked the confrontation.

NDTV reported that Head later posted a cryptic Instagram story reading: 'Keep the body guessing', prompting fans to speculate it was linked to the incident.

But what began as an on-field spat quickly escalated into something much darker online.

Abusive comments flooded the Instagram accounts of Head and his wife Jess, with some messages allegedly targeting members of their family.

One Indian supporter posted: 'I will make your mother naked and make her **** with a dog.'

Many of the worst comments have since been moderated, replaced by messages of support from Head's Indian contingent. 

Jess Head, who runs public relations company Helix PR, also addressed the issue publicly, urging people to remember there are real families behind elite athletes.

'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 said.

'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.'

The ugly backlash is not the first time Head and his family have faced abuse from furious Indian cricket fans.

Head was also targeted online after his match-winning century helped Australia defeat India in the 2023 ODI World Cup final.

'It feels like a repeat of the abuse that happened after the World Cup,' Jess said.

'I woke up to my socials blasting... we are fine but they are attacking my friends and family.'

Indian-Australian cricket commentator Bharat Sundaresan said the social media reaction had spiralled out of control.

'That wasn't great behaviour from Virat Kohli to start with, but then the evil forces of social media took over, as they do these days,' Sundaresan said.

'It's always been pretty wild fandom for cricket in India, and especially around certain cricketers, but it's become more tribalistic than ever before these days.'

Sundaresan revealed he had spoken directly with Head amid the online storm.

'You can't do much about it,' he said.

'You can either stay away from it in terms of not responding to anyone and I think that's something I would advise to anyone … do not respond to any of it.'

'It is almost like if you are an international cricketer these days or sportsperson anywhere in the world, you just need some days away from social media and a day where you had a spat with Virat Kohli is definitely one of them,' he added.