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IPL 2026: Romario Shepherd to DC? 3 Teams That Can Trade For RCB All-Rounder
Shepherd starred in a crucial role for RCB in their title-winning IPL 2025 season
In the last year, Romario Shepherd has become one of the most sought-after all-rounders in franchise cricket, owing to his unique abilities. Not only does he clock 140 kmph, but he also picks up some crucial wickets for his side, ask RCB if you were wondering.
Apart from that, his ability with the bat, something he’s shown repeatedly, sets him apart from all the other all-rounders in world cricket. On July 18 (Friday), he was at it yet again for Guyana Amazon Warriors, with a nine-ball 28 helping them win the Global Super League 2025.
Which teams would look closely at the all-rounder for a trade deal in IPL 2026?
Delhi Capitals
Last year, Delhi Capitals started as the team to beat but then lost their steam mid-way through the tournament. While they did win games here and there towards the end, the damage was already done, as they finished outside the top four.
One of the key aspects that hurt them was their batting lower down the order, someone who could bowl as well. Guess who fits both the bill? Shepherd, as he struck at 291.66 in IPL 2025, and picked up six wickets, averaging 25.16. DC rarely used their fourth overseas option well; they can splurge that trade money on Shepherd.
Chennai Super Kings
Ask CSK fans, and they will tell you who they miss most. The answer might be a certain DJ Bravo, and that’s where Shepherd walks in as almost a like-for-like replacement. CSK’s top order looks set for IPL 2026, but the problem arises lower down the order, where they don’t have many options.
Shepherd’s ability to almost hit the ball to the moon, plus his ability to be the wicket-taking option in the middle overs, most likely solves that big headache of theirs. In that case, they would have to do away with their Sam Curran experiment at No.4.
Lucknow Super Giants
Almost every team that would be in trade for Shepherd have the same problem: a lack of batting depth. LSG are no different, as they were heavily reliant on their top three, Aiden Markram, Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran, for the bulk of their runs.
Shepherd solves that issue with his power-hitting at the back end of the innings. The most important problem for LSG was their inexperienced Indian pace bowling unit, and that’s where the West Indian all-rounder would fit like a glove.