RCB's MVP Revealed: Will Virat Kohli's Team Unleash IPL's Next Andre Russell?

Debashis Sarangi

Romario Shepherd could be RCB's MVP in IPL 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]Romario Shepherd could be RCB's MVP in IPL 2025 [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/X]

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West Indies' experienced all-rounder Romario Shepherd was outstanding with bat and ball in the third T20I against Bangladesh. After scalping two crucial wickets with the ball, the swashbuckling batter hammered a breezy cameo, saving the Windies from embarrassment against Bangladesh's rampant bowling attack. 

For the unversed, Romario Shepherd was purchased by Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 auction and will play a handy role for the franchise due to following three reasons. 

Why Will Romario Shepherd Be RCB's Andre Russell In IPL 2025?

Shepherd's Clean Striking Ability

  • Romario Shepherd is one of the cleanest strikers in modern-day white-ball cricket. The West Indies cricketer has showcased his power game at the highest level and can smack the ball out of the ground with brute force. 
  • Statistically, Shepherd has struck at an unbelievable rate of 182.5 in the Indian Premier League. His hard-hitting skills will be crucial for RCB, with the franchise searching for a finisher after Dinesh Karthik's retirement. 

Romario Shepherd: A Perfect Bowler For Middle And Death Overs

  • The Royal Challengers have a formidable new ball bowling attack comprising Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. So, ideally, they needed a quality third seamer when they raised the paddle for Shepherd during the IPL auction. 
  • The Caribbean pacer has been a valuable asset for West Indies in the middle and death overs and his addition could be a boon for the team in the final two phases of the game. His ability to hit the deck and bowl those cutters and slow balls makes him an asset on Bengaluru's batting-friendly deck. 

A Bit Of This, A Bit Of That; Exactly What RCB Need

  • Considering RCB will play their home matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, the inclusion of several multi-dimensional players seems valid and logical. 
  • Romario Shepherd belongs to the elite set of bowling all-rounders in modern-day T20 cricket. His multi-dimensional game ensures flexibility in RCB's playing XI, which is why we expect him to emerge as their wrecker-in-chief in the upcoming season.