The hat-trick of Romario Shepherd initiated the debate among the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans whether the franchise should retain the West Indies international for the IPL 2026. Romario was an instrumental figure behind RCB's maiden IPL trophy-winning campaign in the 2025 season. 

The Caribbean all-rounder played some brief but important knocks with the bat and did the same with his bowling work. The pace bowling all-rounder has the potential to wreak havoc, but his IPL 2025 may not have suggested that. In the third match against Bangladesh, he took a hat-trick in the first innings of the match and helped the West Indies to clean sweep the home team in the 3-match T20I series. 

Three reasons why RCB should retain Romario Shepherd for the IPL 2026 season:

1. Dual impact with both bat and ball:

Maintaining a balanced squad is a very important instrument to become successful in a highly competitive tournament like the Indian Premier League. The West Indian can bring stability into the squad. This balance allows RCB to experiment more freely with their top order and specialist bowlers. As a batter, he can contribute from the number 7 or number 8 position, and with the ball, Shepherd can deliver 2-3 crucial overs during the middle overs of a match. 

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2. Proven talent as a finisher:

With the immense muscle power and ability to hit the ball out of the park, he is undoubtedly a serious contender. With the hat-trick against Bangladesh, he proved his bowling skills yet again. But more than the bowling skills, Romario Shepherd is known for his batting firepower. 

3. Energy and match-winning mentality:

The mentality and body language RCB players showed during the IPL 2025 were truly threatening for the opposing teams. His performances for the West Indies and in various leagues show he’s not just a role player but a potential match winner on his day. That Caribbean flair can be what RCB needs to protect their hard-earned title.