Romario Shepherd Picks 5-A-Side 6-Hitting Team: Kohli and Rohit Left Out
The Rise of the Power-Hitter: Romario Shepherd’s Tactical Selection
As IPL 2026 reaches its business end, the competition for playoff spots has become more intense than ever. While the action on the field remains the primary focus, off-field moments are increasingly capturing the imagination of the global cricket community. A viral video recently shared via Cricbuzz has put Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Romario Shepherd in the spotlight after he was asked to select his ideal 5-A-Side 6-hitting team. Shepherd, known for his own finishing prowess, opted for a lineup that prioritizes brute force and maximum impact over cumulative run-scoring records.
The Surprising Omissions: Why No Kohli or Rohit?
The selection immediately drew attention for the absence of two of the greatest batters in T20 history: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Despite Kohli’s exceptional form in IPL 2026, where he has amassed 379 runs in 9 matches at a staggering average of 54.14, Shepherd’s criteria appeared strictly focused on ‘clearing the ropes’ on demand. Rohit Sharma, similarly, has been a cornerstone of Indian power-hitting for over a decade, yet neither made the cut for this specific 5-man squad.
Shepherd’s strategy seems to reflect a modern T20 philosophy where strike rates and boundary percentages are prioritized over traditional stability. In a 5-A-side format where every delivery counts, Shepherd chose specialists who are currently regarded as the most dangerous long-handle exponents in world cricket.
The Power Five: Analyzing Shepherd’s Lineup
Romario Shepherd’s selection is a ‘who’s who’ of modern-day finishers. His team includes:
- Tim David: The Australian powerhouse known for his incredible reach and ability to hit sixes against both pace and spin.
- Liam Livingstone: A versatile English batter who holds the record for some of the longest sixes in recent T20 history.
- David Miller: Appropriately nicknamed ‘Killer Miller,’ the South African veteran remains one of the most reliable finishers in the death overs.
- Nicholas Pooran: The West Indian captain’s bat speed and ability to find the stands effortlessly make him a mandatory pick for any power-hitting squad.
- Shivam Dube: The only Indian representative in Shepherd’s list, Dube has been in a league of his own when it comes to dismantling spinners in the middle overs.
RCB’s Dominance in IPL 2026: The Defending Champions Strike Again
The context of Shepherd’s selection is framed by a highly successful season for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Having won their maiden IPL title in 2025, RCB entered the 2026 season with the heavy burden of being defending champions. Under the shrewd leadership of captain Rajat Patidar, the team has looked remarkably balanced and dangerous. As of the current standings, RCB occupies the third spot on the points table, having secured 6 wins from 9 matches.
With 12 points and a healthy net run rate of +1.420, RCB is well-positioned to secure a top-two finish. While Romario Shepherd has contributed vital cameos, the team’s engine room has been powered by Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli’s strike rate of 165.50 this season silenced many critics who questioned his aggression in the middle overs.
A Balanced Attack: Beyond the Power-Hitting
While the focus often remains on RCB’s batting depth, their bowling department has been equally instrumental in their 2026 success. The pace battery led by Josh Hazlewood and the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar has provided early breakthroughs consistently. Meanwhile, the spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma has effectively choked the opposition in the middle overs, ensuring that the pressure remains high throughout the 20 overs.
The Phenomenon of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
No discussion about six-hitting in IPL 2026 is complete without mentioning the 15-year-old sensation, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. Representing the Rajasthan Royals, the young batter has taken the tournament by storm. Sooryavanshi currently leads the season’s six-hitting charts with 37 maximums in just 10 innings. His fearless approach has seen him outshine established stars like Ryan Rickelton and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have also crossed the 30-six mark this season.
The collective aggression of the league is evident in the team statistics as well. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) currently lead the tournament with approximately 135 sixes, followed by Punjab Kings. RCB holds a respectable third place with 113 sixes, underscoring their commitment to an attacking brand of cricket.
Crucial Fixture: RCB vs LSG Preview
The journey toward the playoffs continues as RCB prepares to face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The clash will take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. For RCB, this match is a must-win to solidify their standing in the top half of the table. Romario Shepherd, whose best knock of 22 off 11 balls against Rajasthan Royals proved his value, will likely play a key role again as the team’s primary finisher. Fans will be watching closely to see if Shepherd can translate his ‘ideal’ 5-A-side power into another match-winning performance for the defending champions.
