The stage is set for the epic finale of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 As defending champion, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)prepare to collide with the formidable Gujarat Titans (GT). The much-awaited final, to be held at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, promises high-octane drama. Cricket lovers across the world debate team combinations and match-winning strategies, says former Indian opener and chairman of selection committee chris srikanth Has added fuel to the fire with his blunt assessment of RCB’s lineup options.
Kris Srikkanth clarifies his feelings on Romario Shepherd ahead of IPL 2026 final match
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the always outspoken Srikkanth did not shy away from analyzing RCB’s tactical approach heading into the grand finale. The biggest talking point around Bengaluru is their opening combination. While questions continue about the English dynamic opener Phil SaltDue to his fitness and possible comeback, Srikkanth strongly believes that RCB should remain Venkatesh IyerWho has provided incredible stability at the top of the order.
However, the sharpest criticism of Srikkanth was reserved for the West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd. The former selector clearly warned the RCB management against including Shepherd in the starting eleven, suggesting that his presence with the ball could completely derail Bengaluru’s title defence.
“No news yet on Phil Salt so they should not make a change yet even if he is fit, as Venkatesh Iyer is doing well, The only way RCB will lose is if Romario Shepherd bowls three overs. If he bowls three overs, RCB will go. Shepherd should not be bowling and should not be in the playing 11 at all“Srikanth said.
Beyond the Shepherd conundrum, Srikkanth highlighted that Gujarat’s primary route to victory is to neutralize the top-order powerhouse Bengaluru. He stressed on stopping the growing partnership between Virat Kohli And Devdutt Padikkal GT is not negotiable. Srikkanth said that even a modest, well-constructed contribution of Kohli’s 40 often tilted the game in RCB’s favour, especially when coupled with a strong stand from Padikkal. Rajat Patidar. For GT to lift the trophy, Srikkanth especially trusts his strike bowlers Kagiso Rabada And Mohammad Siraj, At least two of RCB’s top three batsmen will need to be dismissed quickly during the powerplay.
Also read: Shubman Gill addresses possibilities of T20I comeback with India ahead of IPL 2026 summit clash
Shepherd’s disappointing form with the ball in IPL 2026
Srikkanth’s harsh decision is not just pre-match hyperbole; This is supported by hard data from the ongoing tournament. While Shepherd has undeniable power-hitting abilities lower down the order, his performance with the ball has emerged as a major liability for the Bengaluru franchise in IPL 2026.
Throughout the league stage and playoffs, opposition batsmen have regularly targeted it west indies Medium fast bowler. A closer look at their tournament statistics shows why the RCB team management is facing a huge tactical dilemma ahead of the final clash in Ahmedabad:
| statistical | Romario Shepherd – IPL 2026 Bowling Records |
| match/innings | 14 / 13 |
| balls thrown | 150 (25 overs) |
| runs conceded | 298 |
| wickets taken | 7 |
| Best Bowling innings (BBI) | 3/54 |
| bowling average | 42.57 |
| economy rate | 11.92 |
| strike rate | 21.40 |
Giving away almost 12 runs per over (11.92) in 14 matches is an extremely dangerous metric in T20 cricket, leave alone a high-pressure championship final. With an average of 42.57 runs per wicket, Shepherd has struggled to provide significant breakthroughs in the middle overs, often succumbing to the pressure created by RCB’s frontline bowlers. Since the Narendra Modi Stadium has boundaries that may favor aggressive batsmen, Srikkanth’s warning serves as an important reality check for RCB if they want to secure back-to-back IPL titles.
Also read: Sachin Tendulkar has proposed major changes in IPL rules to restore balance between bat and ball.
