Romario Shepherd's Inspiring Journey from Guyana to IPL Stardom

Romario Shepherd, an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shares his inspiring journey from his childhood in Linden, Guyana, to the IPL. He reflects on his early cricket experiences, the influence of Dwayne Bravo, and the camaraderie within the RCB dressing room. Shepherd's rise in white-ball cricket began in 2018 during the Caribbean Premier League, where he gained recognition for his skills. He emphasizes the unique bond he shares with fans and the family-like atmosphere at RCB. This article delves into Shepherd's evolution as a cricketer and his experiences with one of the biggest franchises in the IPL.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 9, 2026, 15:57 IST

Romario Shepherd's Cricketing Journey

Romario Shepherd, an all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, shared insights about his path from Linden, Guyana, to becoming a key player in the IPL. He reflected on his early cricket experiences, his admiration for Dwayne Bravo, and his life within the RCB team.

Early Days in Guyana

Shepherd reminisced about his childhood, stating, "I played cricket in a small space in my yard. We often crafted our own balls from wood or used coconut branches as bats. When the ball hit your leg, there were no pads, so you had to protect your feet."

Growth as a Cricketer

His formal cricket journey began during his school years. Interestingly, he wasn't always the powerful hitter he is known for today. "In my first match, I scored 129 runs without hitting a single six, focusing instead on finding gaps," he noted.

Influenced by Dwayne Bravo

As he progressed through youth cricket, Shepherd's role evolved into that of a versatile player, inspired by the legendary Dwayne Bravo. "Whenever I listened to the radio, Bravo's name was always mentioned for his all-round abilities, and I aspired to emulate him," Shepherd explained.

Rise to Prominence in CPL

Shepherd's significant breakthrough in white-ball cricket occurred in 2018 during the Caribbean Premier League, where his performances garnered attention. "2018 marked the year people began to recognize my talent in white-ball cricket," he stated. He started mastering yorkers and hitting the ball effectively, with commentators like Ian Bishop noting his potential.

A memorable moment for Shepherd was facing his childhood idol, Dwayne Bravo. "The first ball I faced from him, I hit for six, which was a huge moment for me," he recalled.

Experiences with Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Shepherd's cricket journey led him to the IPL and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. "Growing up, RCB was a team that many West Indians supported, especially with Chris Gayle in the squad," he mentioned.

Team Spirit and Camaraderie

Reflecting on his experiences with RCB, Shepherd praised the strong camaraderie in the dressing room. "Tim David is my close friend, and I was surprised to find Virat Kohli has a great sense of humor off the field," he shared. He emphasized the positive influence of senior players and the supportive environment within the team, stating, "These guys bring joy, especially during long periods away from home. RCB is fortunate to have a mix of experienced and young players in one team."

More Than Just a Team

For Shepherd, playing for RCB signifies a unique bond with fans worldwide. "RCB provided me with the opportunity to represent one of the largest franchises in the IPL," he expressed. "Even when I play for the West Indies, fans chant 'RCB, RCB.' Representing RCB feels like being part of a family."