'Built like a RHINO...', not Kohli, RCB wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma is talking about THIS star player, his name is...
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma's old video is currently going viral on social media. In this clip, Jitesh had compared West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd's strength to that of a 'rhino.' He had said, 'It's like a rhino's power in a human body. I've never seen such strength.' On Saturday, during a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Shepherd showcased that very strength, proving Jitesh's observation right.
Romario Shepherd played a blistering innings of 53 runs off just 14 balls against CSK, smashing the second-fastest half-century in IPL history. With this feat, he joined the elite list of KL Rahul (2018 for Punjab Kings) and Pat Cummins (2022 for Kolkata Knight Riders), both of whom also scored fifties in 14 balls. The record for the fastest fifty still belongs to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who achieved it in just 13 balls.
Shepherd displayed a unique mix of aggression and power during his knock. Speaking to iplt20.com, he said, 'I have an aggressive nature and strength. I believe I am the team's rhino. I proudly accept that nickname.'
Shepherd credited his strategic mindset and confidence for his explosive performance. He explained that observing the pitch from the dugout and advice from RCB mentors gave him an edge. Especially against CSK bowler Matheesha Pathirana's yorkers and slower deliveries, Shepherd had already devised a plan. 'I played my role. I had an idea of what they would try. I just focused on hitting the ball hard and flat,' he added.
Shepherd acknowledged the support of RCB captain Rajat Patidar, teammate Tim David, and mentor Dinesh Karthik. Patidar encouraged Shepherd and boosted his morale by calling him a 'main player.' 'Rajat gave me the confidence to target the bowlers and hit every ball,' Shepherd recalled. Meanwhile, Tim David offered technical tips, advising him to maintain shape and swing due to the ball stopping. DK, on the other hand, provided special training after the team's initial batting failures.
The 30-year-old all-rounder revealed that his strength lies in his solid base and the way he swings. His approach wasn't about chasing a specific score, but about treating each ball as an opportunity to hit a boundary or a six. 'When I came in to bat, Tim told me to relax and try. I just followed that advice,' Shepherd explained.
Romario Shepherd's explosive innings not only won the hearts of RCB fans but also earned him the tag of the team's new 'rhino.' His blend of strength, self-belief, and calculated play showed he has the potential to deliver on big stages. Proving Jitesh Sharma's prediction true, Shepherd demonstrated that he indeed carries the power of a rhino within.
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