‘My bowling has not been up to the mark in the tournament so far’ – Romario Shepherd owns up disappointing bowling performances in IPL 2024

Romario Shepherd. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Being brought in by the Mumbai Indians ahead of the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League, all-rounder Romario Shepherd was expected to deliver with the ball whenever the franchise needed his services. Things haven’t unfolded as anticipated thus far, for the Caribbean cricketer, though. The 29-year-old has bowled in four innings so far, giving away runs at an underwhelming economy of 12.90, picking a solitary wicket.

Ahead of his side’s crucial and highly-anticipated clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 51, Shepherd conceded to the reality of his outings with the ball. Ahead of the clash at the Wankhede, the Guyanese cricketer hoped to augment his performances with the ball for the remainder of the tournament. Shepherd also accepted the overall bowling weaknesses of MI this year, as the five-time champions have had a collective economy of 10.06.

“My bowling has not been up to the mark in the tournament so far. So, whenever I get the next opportunity, I can bowl better because, you know, bowling has been going all around our park, and, you know, myself is no exception,” Shepherd was saying as quoted by Mumbai Indians.

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In a format dominated majorly by the batters, Shepherd pointed out the abilities of bowlers to come up with fresh strategies and ploys by tailoring their tactics according to the venue and the opposition.

“You know, each place you go, you have to try and adapt as fast as possible. And, you know, you must have plans,” emphasized Shepherd.

We just have to play to win: Shepherd

The five-time champions are having a disappointing campaign in 2024, as the side finds itself on the brink of disqualification from the Playoffs race with just three wins in 10 games. 

Referring to his side’s dire situation, the all-rounder insisted that rather than any other motive of achieving records or notching up statistics, their aim for the remainder of the tournament is to perform to attain victory as the end-product. He further added that the entire team should channelize their hard work into winning games for the side, if they want to even remotely be close to securing a playoff spot for themselves.  

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“We just have to play to win. That is how we play cricket: to win each game. So, it does not matter how many points we can score,” Shepherd added.