IPL 2024: Romario Shepherd reminds me of Kieron Pollard, says Ambati Rayudu

Former Indian batter Ambati Rayudu said that Romario Shepherd reminds him of Kieron Pollard after MI defeated DC by 29 to register their first win of the season. Rayudu played with Pollard for Mumbai Indians and likened Shepherd with the current MI assistant coach. Shepherd’s power was on display against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday.

The right-hander from the West Indies smashed 39 runs off just 10 balls with the help of three fours and four maximums. Shepherd took Anrich Nortje for 32 runs in the final over as he smashed the South African for four sixes and two fours. It was a game-changing moment and shifted the momentum towards Mumbai Indians.

Ergo, he played an instrumental role in propelling MI to 234-5, which is the franchise’s third-highest score in the IPL. Shepherd scored his runs at 390 and added 53 with Tim David for the sixth wicket.

“Yeah, I think so. Because definitely MI misses Pollard a lot. I think Romario Shepherd is filling in his shoes and the way he has been hitting the ball. And, you know, it reminds me of Pollard all those years back when the match is done. He used to really come out there and win the game for you. Romario is doing the same thing,” Rayudu said while speaking on Star Sports.

On the other hand, Shepherd added it is crucial to have a clear mind while batting in the death overs as there is no holding back.

“Everyone wants to bat a bit and before they start hitting, get used to the condition a bit. But whenever you’re in the 17th over, you just go with a clear mind because there is no holding back,” Shepherd told the media here after the match.

“Whenever you’re in that kind of role you’re even more dangerous, having to just hit the ball because when you ‘see-ball hit-ball’, it’s a more clear mindset than having to be tentative and looking for ones and twos,” he said.

Mumbai Indians will next take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.