Synopsis
Romario Shepherd, all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is optimistic that tonight's match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium will bring RCB their first victory of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals. Despite struggling at home, RCB remains in contention for the playoffs.Key Takeaways
- Romario Shepherd is hopeful for RCB's first home win.
- RCB has lost all three home matches this season.
- Shepherd aims to perform well with bat and ball.
- Rajasthan Royals are looking to end a four-match losing streak.
- Both teams are eager to improve their standings in the league.
Bengaluru, April 24 (NationPress) All-rounder Romario Shepherd of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) expressed optimism that tonight could mark their first victory on home soil during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB has faced defeat in all three of their home matches thus far and is determined to secure their inaugural win of the season against the Rajasthan Royals tonight.
“This is my first experience playing on this ground, and it feels special. We are quite disheartened by our lack of wins in front of our home supporters, but I’m hopeful tonight will be different. We aim to improve our batting performance. It's a tough challenge against RR tonight, and we will strive for a win regardless of the circumstances,” Shepherd mentioned in a pre-match interview with broadcasters.
Despite their unfortunate home record, RCB sits in fourth place with 10 points, thanks to victories in away matches. This will also be Shepherd's debut at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as a player for RCB.
“I am eager to contribute. I’ve had some opportunities and performed reasonably well, so I hope to do even better in this match and help secure a win tonight. My responsibility is to perform well with both bat and ball, aiming to take wickets and minimize runs allowed. I look forward to potentially getting Hetmyer's wicket, as he was my first wicket in cricket,” he added.
On the other hand, RR is looking to break their four-match losing streak. Former RCB player and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga mentioned that the team is focused on taking it one game at a time as they aim for a playoff spot.
“Having played for RCB for three years, I know it will be exciting. The last two games were challenging, but we've played well throughout the tournament, and we need a strong start to regain momentum. With six matches remaining, we aim to finish strong and assess our standing in the points table,” he said.
“We plan to approach each game steadily. This ground is smaller, so we want to bowl in good areas, particularly during the middle overs. We all recognize that RCB is a formidable team, and we intend to execute the basics correctly, eagerly anticipating the match,” he concluded.
