'Only way RCB can lose is if Romario Shepherd bowls 3 overs': Kris Srikkanth's strict warning ahead of GT vs RCB IPL 2026 final

India's 1983 World Cup winner Kris Srikkanth has issued a strong warning to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of their IPL 2026 final clash against Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 31. Srikkanth urgently advised the team management to drop West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd from the playing XI for the championship match. Expressing his concern, the former captain bluntly stated that the only way RCB could lose the game is if Shepherd is given the ball for even three overs.

If Romario Shepherd bowls three overs, RCB are gone: Kris Srikkanth

Srikkanth's harsh critique stems from Shepherd's disappointing performances with the ball throughout the tournament. While the all-rounder has managed to claim 7 wickets, his economy rate has ballooned to over 12 runs per over, making him a major liability in the bowling department.

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In addition to his views on Shepherd, Srikkanth offered further tactical advice regarding RCB's batting lineup. He strongly recommended that Venkatesh Iyer retain his place in the starting XI, emphasizing that Iyer should continue to play even if regular opener Phil Salt is fit and ready to return to the team.

"There is no news about Phil Salt yet so they shouldn't change now even if he's fit, as Venkatesh Iyer is doing well. The only way RCB can lose is if Romario Shepherd bowls three overs. If he bowls three overs, RCB are gone. Shepherd shouldn't bowl and should not be in the 11 at all," Srikkanth said on his YouTube channel.

'If at all GT has to win, they'll have to break the Virat Kohli-Devdutt Padikkal partnership'

Shifting his focus to the Gujarat Titans' strategy, former Indian skipper Kris Srikkanth emphasized that their primary objective must be breaking the partnership between Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal. He highlighted this top-order pairing as the ultimate threat to Gujarat's title hopes, noting that dismantling their coordination early is absolutely critical.

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Both RCB batters have been enjoying a phenomenal run of form, consistently anchoring the innings and taking games away from the opposition. Srikkanth warned that if the Titans fail to strike early and allow either batsman to settle in and play a massive, long-form knock, it could completely take the game out of Gujarat's reach.

"If at all GT has to win, they'll have to break the Virat Kohli-Devdutt Padikkal partnership. RCB always wins if Virat Kohli just makes 40. But it's his partnership with Padikkal that's key for them. RCB only struggle if one of these two gets out early and there is no substantial partnership between the two," he added.

"GT's only hope of winning is getting all three of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rajat Patidar out early. If any two out of these three click, RCB are winners. So GT have to dismiss atleast two of these three early to have any chance of winning. Rabada and Siraj have to bowl well in tandem for GT to win," Srikkanth concluded.