IPL 2025: Hopefully tonight is the day when RCB gets a win on home ground, says Shepherd

IANS April 24, 2025 475 views

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are desperate to break their home losing streak in IPL 2025. All-rounder Romario Shepherd is optimistic about turning the tide in tonight's crucial match against Rajasthan Royals. Despite losing all home games, RCB remains competitive, sitting fourth in the points table. The team sees this as a critical opportunity to boost morale and showcase their potential at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"Hopefully tonight is the night" - Romario Shepherd
Bengaluru, April 24: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Romario Shepherd said he is hopeful of Thursday being the day when the side gets its first win on their home turf in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium here on Thursday.

Key Points

1

RCB seeks first home victory in IPL 2025

2

Shepherd makes debut at Chinnaswamy Stadium

3

Team currently fourth in points table

4

Crucial match against Rajasthan Royals

RCB have lost all three home matches so far and are aiming to get their first victory of the season at the Chinnaswany when they face Rajasthan Royals on Thursday.

"I haven't played on this ground as yet, it is a special night for me. We are still disappointed that we haven't got a win in front of our home fans, hopefully, tonight is the night. Tonight we will try to bat better. It's a good challenge for us against RR tonight, hopefully, we can come out with a win no matter what," said Shepherd in a pre-match chat with the broadcasters.

Despite the woeful home record, RCB are in fourth place with 10 points coming from wins in away games. This is also the first time Shepherd, the West Indies all-rounder, will play for RCB at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"I have been raring to go. I have had the opportunity, and I have been fairly decent, so hopefully in this game, I can do better and contribute to the win tonight. My role is to enforce with the bat and with the ball, try and get wickets and go for as less runs as possible. Hopefully, I can get his (Hetmyer) wicket. He was my first wicket in cricket, and hopefully I can get him again tonight," he added.

RR, on the other hand, are seeking to end their four-match losing streak and leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who previously played for RCB, said the side is looking to take it one game at a time to put themselves on track for a spot in the playoffs.

"I played for RCB for three years, and it is going to be fun. The last two games were tough as a team, but we played good cricket throughout the tournament, and we need one good start to keep going. We have six more games left, and as a team, we want to finish well and see where we are in the points table," he added.

"We will try to play one game at a time. This is a smaller ground and we want to bowl good areas, especially in the middle overs. We all know that RCB is a good side, want to do the basics right, and is looking forward to it," he concluded.

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some positive energy from RCB camp! Shepherd sounds confident and that's what we need right now. Let's go boys! 💪 #PlayBold
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Priya M.
I appreciate Shepherd's honesty about being disappointed with home performances. At least they're acknowledging the problem instead of making excuses. Hope they turn it around tonight!
A
Arjun S.
Not sure why they keep changing the bowling attack every match. The inconsistency is hurting RCB more than the pitch conditions. Need to stick with a core group of bowlers.
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Sanjana R.
Chinnaswamy is such a special ground! The energy there is unmatched. Hope Shepherd gets to experience that winning feeling tonight with the home crowd behind him 🏏
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Vikram J.
Interesting to see the Hasaranga vs RCB matchup! He knows the ground and most of their batsmen so well. Could be a game-changing factor for RR tonight.

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Tags:
IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru Romario Shepherd T20 Cricket Chinnaswamy Stadium
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