Romario Shepherdthe powerful West Indies all-rounder, has rapidly emerged as one of the most sought-after players in limited-overs cricket. Known for his explosive batting and handy pace bowling, Shepherd has established himself as a key player for the West Indies across all formats. His ability to clear the boundary with ease, particularly in the death overs, makes him a valuable asset in T20 leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL). Additionally, his bowling provides crucial balance to any squad, with the potential to take wickets in the middle overs or at the death, depending on team needs. These all-round skills make Romario a prime candidate for IPL franchises looking to strengthen their lower order and add depth to their bowling attack.

With the IPL 2025 mega auction on the horizon, Romario is expected to be a key target for multiple franchises in need of a strong all-rounder. His impressive performances in T20 cricket have caught the eye of several teams, and his ability to impact both batting and bowling makes him an ideal fit for franchises looking for versatility. Whether it’s providing the finishing touches with the bat or adding pace and aggression with the ball, Romario’s presence could elevate any IPL squad, making him one of the most valuable players in the upcoming auction.

3 franchises who can go after Romario Shepherd in IPL 2024

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

As the team with the highest purse heading into the IPL 2025 mega auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have the financial flexibility to make significant buys. One of their key areas of concern in the previous season was the lack of a reliable finisher who could accelerate the scoring in the final overs. Romario, with his powerful batting and ability to play in high-pressure situations, is the perfect candidate to fill this gap.

Shepherd’s aggressive batting in the death overs, where he can hit clean and long, will be invaluable for PBKS. His ability to turn games around with quickfire innings in the latter stages of an innings adds balance to any batting lineup. Additionally, Romario’s pace bowling provides depth to the team’s attack, making him a well-rounded option to complement PBKS’s existing squad. His experience in international cricket and his all-round capabilities make him a top target for the Kings as they look to strengthen their middle and lower order.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) find themselves in need of a power hitter down the order following the release of Marcus Stoiniswho was an important figure in their middle order. With the pressure of maintaining a solid finishing capability, LSG will be keen to sign a player who can consistently strike big, and Romario could be the perfect solution.

Romario’s explosive hitting ability in the latter stages of an innings, along with his handy bowling skills, makes him a strong candidate for the Super Giants. Notably, he has played for LSG in the past and their home ground, Ekana Stadium, is known for its slow tracks, and Romario’s pace and bounce will be particularly effective in these conditions. His ability to extract bounce and swing, combined with his destructive batting style, would make him a key player for LSG, giving them the much-needed firepower to challenge in the crucial middle and death overs.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Although Gujarat Titans (GT) have retained Shahrukh Khanwho brings power-hitting skills to the lower order, they are still in need of a well-rounded all-rounder who can make a difference with both bat and ball. Romario is the type of player who can fulfill this role. As an explosive hitter and a skilled bowler, Romario brings balance to the side, making him an attractive option for the Titans.

The bouncy tracks at the Narendra Modi Stadium would suit Shepherd’s game, where he can play an important role with the bat by clearing the boundaries in the final overs. His pace bowling is also an asset, offering the Titans flexibility in their bowling attack. Romario’s ability to adapt to different match situations and his strong performances in various formats make him a potential key player for GT, who will be looking to bolster their all-round strength ahead of the 2025 season. Adding a dynamic player like Shepherd to their squad could provide the Titans with the depth and versatility required to defend their title successfully.