Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Tim David and Romario Shepherd turned IPL 2026 talk into street-level entertainment, taking part in a gully cricket challenge that set them a 15-ball target. Asked to choose a number they believed they could comfortably reach, David backed himself and his partner to knock off 50 runs in the tight lanes.
David and Shepherd’s gully cricket sprint
In a viral clip from the challenge, David steps up to take strike and immediately announces his intent—smashing the first two deliveries for six over the bowler’s head. The momentum doesn’t last, though, as the next ball leaves him completely beaten, forcing a thick edge while he tries to defend.
- David’s opening burst: sixes on the first two deliveries
- Next ball: he edges the shot but the bowler gets him outfoxed
- Crucial reprieve: the wicketkeeper spills an easy chance, giving David a lifeline
- After that, David adds only two runs from the next three balls and survives another caught-behind appeal
With 30 runs required off eight balls, David re-accelerates, landing two towering sixes to reduce the chase to 18 from six. Just when the finish looks set, the challenge takes a dramatic turn—David is castled on the 11th ball, handing the remaining workload to Shepherd.
Shepherd then completes the job with the pressure fully on his shoulders. The West Indian smashes three sixes to seal the challenge for Bengaluru on the very last delivery, wrapping up the street contest in style.
RCB’s IPL 2026 statement vs Delhi Capitals
While the street game grabbed headlines, RCB’s real campaign business also moved forward. Bengaluru beat Delhi Capitals by nine wickets, with their new-ball unit doing the heavy lifting—Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar leading a ruthless spell.
- Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar combined for seven wickets
- The win marked RCB’s sixth victory in eight matches
- Defending champions continue to strengthen their playoff momentum
Alongside Punjab Kings, RCB are viewed as strong contenders to secure a top-two finish as the season moves deeper into the playoff race.
Next up: RCB vs Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad
After the Delhi win, RCB head to Ahmedabad to take on Gujarat Titans on Thursday. The team will be looking to turn pressure into progress—knowing that another victory will further lift their qualification chances.
