Romario Shepherd Shocks Fans: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma Excluded from His 5-A-Side Six-Hitting Team

A Bold Choice for the Power-Hitting Stage

The 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) has been defined by explosive batting, record-breaking strike rates, and an obsession with clearing the boundary. Amidst the intense race for playoff spots, a viral video featuring Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star Romario Shepherd has taken the internet by storm. When asked to construct his dream 5-a-side team specifically for hitting sixes, the West Indian powerhouse made a series of selections that left cricket fans stunned—most notably by omitting two of the game’s greatest modern icons, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.

(Source: AFP)

The Strategy Behind Shepherd’s Selection

Shepherd, who has been fulfilling a critical finishing role for the defending champions RCB this season, approached the task with a singular focus: maximum six-hitting impact. His selection criteria prioritized players who can clear the ropes from the very first ball, focusing on specialized power-hitters rather than established openers or accumulators. His final five-man roster includes: Tim David, Liam Livingstone, David Miller, Nicholas Pooran, and Shivam Dube.

By prioritizing raw, specialized power, Shepherd opted for a lineup that focuses on the modern ‘finisher’ archetype, deliberately ignoring the technical brilliance of Kohli and the prolific hitting history of Rohit Sharma. This tactical choice underscores the modern T20 shift toward high-risk, high-reward aggression in the middle and death overs.

RCB’s Dominant IPL 2026 Campaign

The franchise currently finds itself in a commanding position to defend their 2025 title. Under the composed leadership of captain Rajat Patidar, RCB currently sits third on the points table. With 12 points from 9 matches and an impressive net run rate of +1.420, the team is well-positioned for a deep playoff run. Virat Kohli has remained the backbone of the batting unit, accumulating 379 runs at an average of 54.14 and a striking rate of 165.50. He continues to find excellent support from Devdutt Padikkal and the consistent captain, Rajat Patidar.

Defensively, the team has been equally potent. The bowling unit, featuring the likes of Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Krunal Pandya, and the emerging talent Suyash Sharma, has provided the stability required to complement their high-scoring batting efforts.

The Six-Hitting Phenomenon in 2026

While Shepherd’s list is subjective, the statistics of IPL 2026 reveal just how competitive the six-hitting landscape has become. The tournament has seen an unprecedented surge in power-hitting, led by 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi of the Rajasthan Royals. The teenager has shocked the cricket world by leading the charts with 37 sixes in just 10 innings. He is closely chased by Ryan Rickelton and Abhishek Sharma, both of whom have cleared the 30-six barrier.

At the team level, the competition is just as fierce. Sunrisers Hyderabad are currently setting the pace with over 135 sixes, with the Punjab Kings following in hot pursuit. RCB sits comfortably in third place with 113 maximums, contributing to a season that will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most explosive in the league’s existence.

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Playoffs

As the business end of the tournament approaches, every match takes on added significance. RCB is set to face the Lucknow Super Giants on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. For the defending champions, securing a top-two finish remains the primary objective, and with players like Shepherd in the mix, they are well-equipped to maintain their momentum. Whether or not his controversial selection for a 5-a-side team holds up against the brilliance of players like Kohli remains a topic for heated debate, but there is no denying the thrill that the 2026 season continues to provide.