India, May 24 -- Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan downplayed the heated on-field exchange between Virat Kohli and Travis Head during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's IPL clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad, saying such confrontations are a natural by-product of the intensity and competitiveness of top-level cricket.

Kohli and Head were involved in an on-field exchange, with the former appearing to mock the Australian batter's frequent use by his team as an Impact Substitute by gesturing and telling him to bowl a few deliveries instead of staying off the field.

Kohli, however, was dismissed soon after for 15 off 11 balls, prompting Head to fire back with a sledge of his own. The tension appeared to linger after SRH's commanding 55-run wi...