Rohit Sharma ignored!: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav honoured amid IPL 2026
Rohit Sharma ignored!: Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav honoured amid IPL 2026
As the IPL 2026 playoffs heat up, Royal Challengers Bengaluru all-rounder Romario Shepherd took time out from preparation to participate in a rapid-fire round hosted by Cricbuzz. The high-octane segment put Shepherd’s cricket IQ and instincts to the test — and while he aced most questions, one omission stood out: Rohit Sharma was completely ignored. Instead, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav emerged as the most celebrated batters, earning high praise from the Caribbean star.
Virat Kohli: The Chase Master
When asked about the batter who is always one step ahead during a run chase, Shepherd didn’t hesitate: Virat Kohli. The RCB all-rounder, known for his aggressive bowling and lower-order hitting, called Kohli a “master in run chase” and highlighted his unmatched ability to read pressure situations and respond with clinical precision.
Shepherd doubled down on his admiration by naming Kohli as the batter who can get a boundary “on demand.” Known for his relentless focus and footwork, Kohli’s consistency in the middle and death overs continues to draw admiration from teammates and opponents alike. Shepherd also picked Kohli as the batter he’d most want to partner with in a high-pressure game, calling him the ultimate calming presence under stress.
Suryakumar Yadav: The Field-Setter’s Nightmare
One name from outside RCB’s camp that stood tall in the rapid-fire round was Suryakumar Yadav. When pressed to name the batter most difficult to set a field for, Shepherd paused, then confidently replied: “Surya.”
A nod to the Mumbai Indians star’s unorthodox stroke play and improvisational genius, this praise highlights how Yadav continues to challenge traditional field placements with his 360-degree batting. His ability to find gaps from seemingly impossible positions makes him a constant threat — a point not lost on Shepherd, who admitted the difficulty of predicting Yadav’s next move.
Tim David: The Six-Hitting Specialist
While recognized primarily for his brute power and finishing skills, Tim David earned unexpected acclaim from Shepherd for his bowling. The West Indies all-rounder named David as the most effective bowler in death overs — a rare compliment for a batter primarily known for clean hitting.
David also topped Shepherd’s list when it came to scoring 20 runs in the final over. With his towering sixes and cool demeanor, David has built a reputation as one of the most reliable finishers in the tournament. Shepherd added that David also excels at reading bowlers at the crease — a skill often overshadowed by his aggressive style.
Rajat Patidar: The Surprise Powerhouse
RCB skipper Rajat Patidar made the list as the batter who’s surprised Shepherd the most with his power-hitting. Despite not having the typical physique of a muscle-bound hitter, Patidar’s ability to launch the ball into the stands left a lasting impression on the all-rounder.
Patidar’s growth from a dependable middle-order bat to a full-fledged six-hitter has been one of RCB’s key developments this season, and Shepherd’s recognition underscores the team’s evolving batting depth.
IPL 2026 Playoffs: RCB Face Gujarat Titans
With RCB securing their playoff spot as the top team in the group stage — thanks to superior net run rate despite a loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad — the stakes are high. They are set to face Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans on May 26 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala.
As the team prepares for the crunch clash, insights from players like Shepherd shine a light on the internal confidence and mutual respect within the RCB camp. While the omission of Rohit Sharma may spark debate, the focus remains firmly on execution, teamwork, and the proven performers stepping up when it matters most.
Rapid fire ft. Romario Shepherd 🔥
Batter who is toughest to set a field to? 🏟️
Batter who can get boundary on demand? 🏏
Watch NOW 📱@RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/WKBZIeoSDG
