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Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) had a bang in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The defending champions defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings by huge margins. The team seemed invincible. However, after this it has faced defeat in 2 out of the next 4 matches, due to which the weakness of the team has come to the fore. RCB is missing the sixth bowler. Romario Shepherd has failed in this role so far. He failed to defend 14 runs in the last over against Delhi Capitals on 18 April.

Shepherd’s bat is also quiet

RCB has fielded Shepherd in all 6 matches. Out of these, it has been his turn to bowl in 5 matches, in which he has been able to take only 3 wickets. It is worth noting that he took these three wickets in the opening match against SRH. Since then he is empty handed. He has not got that much opportunity in batting but he has been able to score only 39 runs in 4 innings at a strike rate of 156.

Shepherd played an important role in RCB’s title win last season. He took the wicket of Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer in the final, which proved to be the turning point. RCB is continuously encouraging him to perform like this but he is not able to live up to the expectations. In such a situation, there is talk of bringing Jacob Bethel in his place in the playing XI. RCB head coach Andy Flower has supported Shepherd but now discussions have started on Bethel’s name to balance the team.

Why is there a problem in feeding Bethel?

Shepherd plays the role of finisher and bowls pace, while Bethel is a top order batsman. Bethel can be used properly only in the top order. However, RCB’s top-4 is already decided. Whereas Bethel bowls left arm spin. It is believed that his bowling will not be as effective on a small ground like M Chinnaswamy Stadium.

How will Bethel fit in?

Bethel, who is counted among the most talented players of England, can be sent at number-5. With this, there will be no need to promote Krunal Pandya for left-right combination. At the same time, Jitesh Sharma, who has been a flop till now, can be pushed down in the batting order, so that big hitters like Tim David get a chance to play more and more balls. This season, Jitesh has been able to score only 52 runs playing 47 balls in 5 innings, whereas Tim David has faced 85 balls and scored 173 runs.

RCB’s probable playing XI against GT: Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (captain), Tim David, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Romario Shepherd/Jacob Bethel, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salaam Dar.