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Romario Shepherd for West Indies - (Source: AFP)
On Sunday, November 16, New Zealand and the West Indies locked horns in the first of a three-match ODI series at the Hagley Oval. The visitors won the toss and opted to field first.
The hosts, batting first, put 269/7 runs on the board after 50 overs. Jaydon Seales was the best bowlers with three wickets. However, the Windies sweat in panic as they lose a key player to injury in the field.
Notably, Romario Shepherd, who is a key member of the Windies white-ball set-up, only bowled four overs in the game and then left the field after experiencing discomfort in his thigh. Eventually, the Windies cricket took to social media to clear the air around Shepherd's injury and stated that the Caribbean powerhouse won't return to the field for the first innings.
Shepherd available to bat
The press release also added that Shepherd is having trouble with his left hamstring, and the management, as a precaution, has decided not to push Romario to bowl. However, it added that the right-handed batter is available to bat if needed.
"Injury Update- As a precaution, Romario Shepherd will not return to the field for the duration of the New Zealand innings. He is experiencing discomfort in his left hamstring and is being monitored by the medical team. Shepherd will be available to bat," tweeted West Indies cricket.
RCB management sweats in panic
Notably, Shepherd's injury has also made fans concerned about sitting in India because the 30-year-old is an integral part of RCB's squad and was a key factor behind Bengaluru ending their 18-year-long trophy drought in 2025.
For the unversed, the defending champions released their retention list on November 15 for IPL 2026 and Shepherd will continue to represent the Rajat Patidar-led side.
