Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has fired a warning at Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2026 final against Gujarat Titans on Sunday, urging the franchise to leave Romario Shepherd out of the playing XI. Srikkanth’s message was direct: Bengaluru’s path to victory, in his view, hinges on limiting Shepherd’s impact with the ball—specifically by ensuring he does not bowl three overs in the match.
Quick facts
- Kris Srikkanth said RCB should not include Romario Shepherd in the playing XI for the IPL 2026 final vs Gujarat Titans on Sunday.
- Srikkanth claimed RCB can only lose if Shepherd bowls for three overs.
- He said Shepherd has been disappointing with the ball, taking 7 wickets at an economy rate above 12.
- Srikkanth urged RCB to keep faith in Venkatesh Iyer even if Phil Salt is fit to return.
- For Gujarat Titans, Srikkanth stressed breaking the Virat Kohli–Devdutt Padikkal partnership.
- He said GT’s winning chances depend on removing at least two of Kohli, Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar early.
- Srikkanth added that Rabada and Siraj must bowl well together for GT to win.
In his comments, Srikkanth pointed out that there is “no news” yet regarding Phil Salt, and argued RCB should not make a change merely because Salt might be available. His stance was that Venkatesh Iyer should continue, describing him as someone who is currently doing well for the side.
Srikkanth then returned to the Shepherd issue, insisting the West Indies all-rounder should not be used as a bowler for a full three-over spell. He went further than a tactical suggestion, saying Shepherd “shouldn’t bowl” and should not be present in the XI at all for the final.
On Shepherd’s recent bowling output, Srikkanth highlighted that while the tally shows 7 wickets, the economy rate has been beyond 12—an indicator, in his view, of trouble for the team in a high-stakes match. That combination of wicket-taking with expensive spells was framed as the key concern behind his call to exclude him.
RCB’s batting threat and GT’s blueprint
Turning to Gujarat Titans’ task, Srikkanth said it will be crucial for GT to disrupt the chemistry between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. He noted that both batters have been in good form, and stressed that allowing them to settle and build large innings would be dangerous for the Titans.
He argued that if GT are to win, they must break the Kohli–Padikkal partnership because RCB’s results, as he framed it, change when the duo get going together. In his view, RCB tend to be in control even if Kohli alone scores—often referencing a typical around-40 kind of contribution—but the real threat is the stand between Kohli and Padikkal.
Srikkanth added that RCB struggle when one of the two goes early and the middle overs fail to produce a meaningful partnership. That, he suggested, is where GT can tilt the game: by ensuring the key duo does not share a long run of deliveries.
For the Titans’ overall plan, Srikkanth said their only realistic route is to remove the core trio—Kohli, Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar—early in the innings. He set a specific requirement for GT’s chances, stating that they need at least two of those three to be dismissed quickly; if any pair of them “clicks” for RCB, the Titans’ comeback becomes extremely difficult.
Finally, Srikkanth pointed to the bowling responsibilities at the other end, saying Rabada and Siraj must bowl well in tandem if Gujarat Titans are to get the early wickets needed. In his assessment, disciplined execution by that pair is the foundation for the early breakthroughs that would keep GT’s hopes alive.
