Aakash Chopra predicts IPL glory for RCB because of this star player's availability
Published - 17 May 2025, 07:39 PM | Updated - 17 May 2025, 11:36 PM
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) rollercoaster season has suddenly turned into a dream run, and Aakash Chopra believes that the pieces are finally falling into place for the franchise. The former Indian cricketer said that RCB is now looking like a serious title contender, and much of that credit goes to Romario Shepherd’s unbelievable impact.
The Caribbean power-hitter, who had been warming the bench, came out all guns blazing in a thriller against Chennai Super Kings, smashing an outrageous 53 off just 14 balls to snatch a two-run win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru on May 3 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Aakash Chopra declares RCB a title threat because of Romario Shepherd
And Chopra believes that the explosive arrival of Shepherd and his availability have solved a major headache for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. He noted that Shepherd's game-changing performance has given the Bengaluru side a huge tactical advantage.
Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel, “RCB have suddenly come together as a unit. It seems like everything is falling into place. It's good news for RCB because if Romario Shepherd hadn't been available after playing such a terrific knock, it would have become a bit of an issue. Then you would have been forced to play Liam Livingstone, but that's not the case now.”
With Liam Livingstone struggling badly earlier in the season, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru were on the verge of a selection crisis. But now, they have the luxury to play a fiery combination of Romario, Phil Salt, Tim David, and Lungi Ngidi in the crucial playoff games.
'Since Romario Shepherd is there, there is no problem'
The cricket pundit noted, “You can play Lungi Ngidi, Romario Shepherd, Phil Salt, and Tim David this evening. When Lungi Ngidi goes, you can play Nuwan Thushara. At least you are not forced to play Liam Livingstone. If he is not doing well, you can leave him out, but it would have only been possible if Romario Shepherd had stayed. Since Romario Shepherd is there, there is no problem.”
The former Indian batter also reacted to the buzz about Josh Hazlewood’s return to India for the IPL 2025 playoffs despite the WTC Final 2025 being scheduled on June 11 at Lord’s against South Africa.
Chopra said that if Hazlewood rejoins the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad for the playoffs, it could allow the team to rotate Lungi Ngidi with someone like Nuwan Thushara for even greater bowling depth in the knockouts.
Read Also: Virat Kohli mentioned as AB de Villiers announces epic RCB comeback for IPL 2025
Josh Hazlewood’s return will be a big boost for Bengaluru
He signed off by saying, “Another piece of good news for RCB is that we are hearing that Josh Hazlewood might miss the league stage but be available for the playoffs. If that happens, another great piece of news from RCB's perspective.”
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will also have the Phil Salt boost for the remainder of the IPL 2025, as he was not named in England’s squad for the ODI series against the West Indies. Salt is likely to play in the T20I series, so his availability is not a cause of concern for the franchise.
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