Romario Shepherd - The underrated star RCB must rely on to retain IPL title

Anurag Dasgupta

Shepherd holds the key for RCB [Source: AFP Photo] Shepherd holds the key for RCB [Source: AFP Photo]

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) made some shrewd signings during the IPL 2025 mega auction, but picking Romario Shepherd, the West Indian all-rounder, might turn out to be the bargain of the decade from their end. In a tense run-chase of 178 against New Zealand in a T20I game, Shepherd almost pulled off a heist as he scored a brisk 49, but couldn’t take the Windies past the winning line.

In the previous T20I match, he scored 34 off 16, and in the series opener, the West Indian star sealed the win for his side by delivering a match-winning effort in the final over against Mitch Santner. He is in the form of his life and perhaps it might not be an understatement to say that not Tim David, or any other middle-order player, but Shepherd will be a key player if RCB is to retain their IPL crown next season.

The importance of Shepherd in RCB setup

For starters, RCB always craved for a match-winning finisher at number 7, someone who could instill fear factor in the opposition. They couldn’t find the solution until the team decided to purchase Shepherd for just 1.5 crore. This turned out to be a masterstroke as he showed his all-round prowess, both with bat and ball.

Criterion
Data
Matches8
Runs scored70
Batting strike rate291.67
Dismissals6

(Shepherd in IPL 2025)

  • The all-rounder was at his imperial best as he hardly got a chance to bat, but when the opportunities arrive, he grabbed it with both hands and his strike rate tells the entire story.
  • A strike rate of 291.67, showcasing his brute power and the ability to clear any ground made him a dangerous commodity for the opponents.
  • Who could forget his 14-ball 50 against CSK in a crucial game where the Royal Challengers were struggling to score runs? He has the ability to snatch the game in the blink of an eye, and the match vs CSK proved the statement.

Why Shepherd will be a key player for RCB in IPL 2026

  • The brute finisher: In the likes of Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David, RCB have a star-studded lineup, and each of them contributed towards their title victory. However, what every team needs is a solid player towards the fag end of their batting, someone who can tear apart the attack with ease. This is where Shepherd comes into play.
  • He can score runs quickly, and just like any West Indian, he, too, has the ability to clear any ground with ease, and his batting at number 7 becomes crucial for the team.
  • Ability to take wickets at crucial juncture: In the IPL finale against Punjab Kings, Shreyas Iyer was the key wicket for RCB, and Shepherd produced the magical ball to end his stay as the team clinched the title. He has this knack of picking important wickets in T20s, and this would be crucial for RCB in IPL 2026.
  • Every team craves for a solid all-rounder, and the Red Army has Shepherd, who can clock 140 km/h, and can also scalp crucial wickets to give his side victories.

Conclusion

RCB have plenty of match-winners in the squad, but none more important than Shepherd. He brings his all-around expertise to the squad and has the ability to win matches from any given situation. Plus, Shepherd can also contribute with the ball, and his four-overs quota also becomes important, and thus, the West Indian could be an underrated player if the team wants to retain the title.