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RCB all-rounder Romario Shepherd recently shared insights about his remarkable journey from Linden, Guyana, to becoming a key player for one of the most prominent franchises in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He reflected on his early cricketing experiences, the inspiration he drew from West Indies legend Dwayne Bravo, and his evolution into a multi-faceted player. Shepherd also provided a glimpse into life within the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) dressing room, highlighting the camaraderie and support he enjoys from his teammates.

Early Cricketing Days

Romario Shepherd’s cricket journey began in his childhood, where he had to make do with limited resources. Growing up in Linden, he often played cricket in a small space in his yard, using improvised equipment. “Sometimes we made the ball with wood or used coconut branches to make a bat,” he reminisced. Shepherd’s early experiences were marked by creativity and resilience, as he played barefoot and learned to defend his feet from the hard ball. His initial foray into organized cricket occurred during his school years, where he showcased his talent in a memorable debut match. “In the first game I played, I scored 129 and batted through the 40 overs, with no sixes,” he recalled, emphasizing that his focus was on finding gaps rather than hitting big.

As he progressed through age-group cricket, Shepherd’s game evolved significantly. He drew inspiration from Dwayne Bravo, a player he admired for his all-round capabilities. “Whenever you listened to the radio, there was always one name you heard doing everything, batting, bowling, and fielding, and that was Dwayne Bravo,” Shepherd said. This inspiration fueled his ambition to become a versatile player, capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.

Breakthrough in White-Ball Cricket

Shepherd’s breakthrough in white-ball cricket came in 2018 during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). His performances began to attract attention, and he quickly established himself as a player to watch. “2018 is when people started taking my white-ball cricket seriously,” he stated. He honed his skills, particularly in bowling yorkers and hitting the ball with power. Commentators, including Ian Bishop, recognized his potential, noting that he had something special.

A standout moment from that season was when he faced his childhood idol, Dwayne Bravo. “The first ball I faced was from Dwayne Bravo and I hit it for six ways back in the crowd,” Shepherd recalled, highlighting the significance of that encounter. This experience not only marked a personal milestone for Shepherd but also solidified his status as an emerging talent in the cricketing world.

Life at Royal Challengers Bangalore

Shepherd’s journey eventually led him to the IPL and the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). He expressed his excitement about joining a franchise that has long been supported by West Indian fans, particularly due to the presence of Chris Gayle. “When I was watching cricket growing up, RCB was always one of the teams West Indians supported,” he noted. His time with RCB has been characterized by a strong sense of camaraderie within the dressing room.

“Everyone knows TD (Tim David) is my guy. Salt, Bethell, even VK, I did not know he was this funny,” Shepherd shared, revealing the lighter side of his teammates. He emphasized that while Virat Kohli is known for his intensity on the field, he has a humorous side off it. The positive atmosphere within the squad has been crucial for Shepherd, especially during long periods away from home. “These guys make me happy,” he said, appreciating the blend of senior and younger players in the team.

Global Connection with Fans

For Shepherd, representing RCB goes beyond just playing cricket; it comes with a unique connection to fans worldwide. “RCB gave me a chance and the opportunity to go out there and represent one of the biggest franchises in the IPL,” he remarked. This opportunity has transformed the way fans engage with him, as he experiences support from RCB followers even when playing for the West Indies. “Even when I am playing for West Indies in other parts of the world, people are still chanting ‘RCB, RCB’,” he noted.

Walking onto the field as an RCB player feels like being part of a family for Shepherd. He recognizes the significance of the franchise and the bond it creates with its supporters. “When you walk out to represent RCB, you realize it is more than just a franchise,” he concluded, highlighting the pride and sense of belonging that comes with being part of such a storied team.

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