He makes bold observations. He also speaks what his heart says. He doesn’t keep off from or hold back from speaking from his mind. When he speaks, you better listen- a combination of all this has perhaps come to highlight the nuance that none other than Kris Srikkanth brings to the fore. Isn’t it? Moreover, in an interesting and perhaps even telling recent observation with regards to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s playing XI, former cricket legend and an important member of the 1983 World Cup winning side, Kris Srikkanth has perhaps come down heavily on one particular all rounder who we find in the current RCB playing XI, but one that as per Srikkanth should not actually be featuring in the very playing eleven at all. And the man in question
on this particular occasion is none other than Romario Shepherd of the West Indies.
It turns out that something about the widely noted right arm fast medium bowling and big hitting batter (an all rounder of skill and certain repute) hasn’t quite appealed to the cricketing sensibilities of someone like Kris Srikkanth. So the big question is why is Kris Srikkanth being critical of the West Indian all rounder?
Now, here is a bit of a perspective that’s widely evident and may not be debated all that much. And it points us to make a simple comparison between the 2025 season that Romario Shepherd had vis-a-vis the current season.
As far as the 2025 campaign was concerned, then it wasn’t hard to see and appreciate the all round contributions that the big hitting all rounder from Guyana was able to assist his RCB side with. The same unit would eventually win their maiden and triumphant IPL title. Shepherd was delivering from both bat and ball.
No idea why RCB are actually playing him: Kris Srikkanth goes heavy on RCB star
When speaking his mind - and make no mistake, he always does so- Kris Srikkanth always speaks his mind, the former Indian cricketer opened on the subject of how strong RCB are but are also, at the same time, grappling with a weakling.
He would allude to the currently evident state of Shepherd who seems a touch out of depth with his talent:
"They have an amazing overall bowling side. They have just one weak link in Romario Shepherd. I've no idea why RCB are actually playing him. But I feel he's playing because he's a lucky charm for RCB. They won last year and are winning this year with him. So he's there just for the luck factor. Because otherwise, he cannot play in the 11 at all."
What does one note?
While Romario isn’t able to extract the best out of his talent has set of abilities, the same that have fetched successes from the RCB via vital contributions when most needed, Shepherd also brings a key skill to the field. And it’s nearly faultless underlined by some excellent catching in the outfield. The same that has become the cynosure of eyes time and again.
At the same time, Kris Srikkanth was also fully appreciative of the invaluable and timely contributions of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a clear contender for this season’s purple cap in the 2026 edition, whose ability to shake up RCB’s batting opponents in the powerplay is second to none.
While there’s criticism reserved for some, Srikkanth also ensured that there was praise reserved for another.
