The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 as the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), prepare to clash with the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT). Taking place on Sunday, at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this highly anticipated final promises high-octane drama. As cricket enthusiasts around the globe debate team combinations and match-winning strategies, former Indian opener and selection committee chairman Kris Srikkanth has added fuel to the fire with a blunt assessment of RCB’s lineup choices.
Kris Srikkanth makes his feelings clear on Romario Shepherd before IPL 2026 final showdown
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the ever-candid Srikkanth did not hold back when analyzing RCB’s tactical approach heading into the grand finale. One of the biggest talking points surrounding Bengaluru is their opening combination. While there are lingering questions about English dynamic opener Phil Salt’s fitness and potential return, Srikkanth firmly believes RCB must stick with Venkatesh Iyer, who has provided incredible stability at the top of the order.
However, Srikkanth’s sharpest critique was reserved for West Indian all-rounder Romario Shepherd. The former selector explicitly warned the RCB management against featuring Shepherd in the starting eleven, suggesting his presence with the ball could completely derail Bengaluru’s title defense.
“There is no news about Phil Salt yet so they shouldn’t change now even if he’s fit, as Venkatesh Iyer is doing well, The only way RCB can lose is if Romario Shepherd bowls three overs. If he bowls three overs, RCB are gone. Shepherd shouldn’t bowl and should not be in the 11 at all,” Srikkanth stated.
Beyond the Shepherd conundrum, Srikkanth highlighted that Gujarat’s primary route to victory lies in neutralizing Bengaluru’s top-order powerhouse. He emphasized that stopping the prolific partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal is non-negotiable for GT. Srikkanth noted that even a modest, well-constructed contribution of 40 runs from Kohli often tilts the game in RCB’s favor, especially when paired with a strong stand alongside Padikkal and Rajat Patidar. For GT to lift the trophy, Srikkanth believes their strike bowlers, specifically Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, must strike early and dismantle at least two of RCB’s top three batters during the powerplay.
Also READ: Shubman Gill addresses T20I comeback prospects with India before IPL 2026 summit clash
Shepherd’s dismal form with the ball in IPL 2026
Srikkanth’s harsh verdict isn’t just pre-match hyperbole; it is heavily backed by the hard data from the ongoing tournament. While Shepherd possesses undeniable power-hitting capabilities in the lower order, his performances with the ball in IPL 2026 have emerged as a massive liability for the Bengaluru franchise.
Throughout the league stage and playoffs, opposition batters have routinely targeted the West Indies medium-pacer. A closer look at his tournament statistics reveals why the RCB team management faces a massive tactical dilemma ahead of the final showdown in Ahmedabad:
| Statistic | Romario Shepherd – IPL 2026 Bowling Record |
| Matches / Innings | 14 / 13 |
| Balls Bowled | 150 (25 Overs) |
| Runs Conceded | 298 |
| Wickets Taken | 7 |
| Best Bowling in Innings (BBI) | 3/54 |
| Bowling Average | 42.57 |
| Economy Rate | 11.92 |
| Strike Rate | 21.40 |
Conceding nearly 12 runs per over (11.92) across 14 matches is a highly dangerous metric in T20 cricket, let alone in a high-pressure championship final. With an average of 42.57 runs per wicket, Shepherd has struggled to provide crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs, often releasing the pressure built up by RCB’s frontline bowlers. As the Narendra Modi Stadium features boundaries that can favour aggressive batters, Srikkanth’s warning serves as a crucial reality check for RCB if they want to secure back-to-back IPL titles.
Also READ: Sachin Tendulkar proposes major IPL rule tweaks to restore balance between bat and ball