3 major reasons why RCB should replace Romario Shepherd with Jacob Duffy

Romario Shepherd has featured in all games of RCB in IPL 2026.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have replicated their brilliant form from last season in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Out of eight games, they have won six and lost two, and take the second spot in the points table.

Romario Shepherd and Jacob Duffy have been two players who have played key role in RCB’s success this season. While seam all-rounder Shepherd has featured in all eight games so far, pacer Duffy featured in three games at the start before being replaced by pacer Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI.

Dropping Hazlewood from the playing XI wouldn’t be the smartest thing to do. The Australian pacer played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign last year and also clinched a four-wicket haul in the previous game.

However, to accommodate Duffy, they can make Shepherd warm the bench in the upcoming games. On that note, below are three reasons why the Rajat Patidar & Co. should replace Romario Shepherd with Jacob Duffy in IPL 2026.

3 reasons why RCB should prefer Jacob Duffy over Romario Shepherd

3. Jacob Duffy’s brilliant show in IPL 2026

Duffy made a fabulous debut in the IPL this year, clinching the Player of the Match award in the tournament opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) with his three-wicket haul. He backed up his performance with three more wickets in the next two games and has six wickets in his kitty so far.

Notably, Bengaluru missed services of Hazlewood at the start and Duffy did a brilliant job in his absence. Therefore, the New Zealand pacer deserves more opportunities in the league.

2. Romario’s poor bowling form

The West Indies all-rounder has played eight games so far but has struggled to make a mark with his bowling. Across eight games, he has picked just three wickets.

He has emerged too expensive at his economy of 14.50, allowing opposition teams to target him easily. He clinched a three-wicket haul in one game but went wicketless in six.

1. RCB need a sixth bowler

Bengaluru have a strong batting unit with the likes of Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, and Tim David. However, they need more firepower in their bowling department.

Their two defeats in IPL 2026 have come while defending targets, one of which saw RCB failing to defend a 200+ total.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood have led the team’s pace attack, but they need a sixth bowler who can provide more support. Hence, Jacob’s inclusion will be a big advantage and add more strength to their bowling unit.

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