The MI Boys are back at the Wankhede, at our fortress, and there's nothing more we could've asked for to bring about a change in our fortunes! This situation isn't new, and we are ready to rewrite the script once again. It's time to get it right! 

“We just have to play to win. That's how we play cricket: to win each game. So it doesn't matter how many points we can score,” a war cry issued by Romario Shepherd at the press conference ahead of Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday (May 2, 2024).

The towering West Indian all-rounder returns to the Wankhede, a ground where he famously had his final over blitz against Delhi Capitals. Asked if there is an expectation to replicate the same performance repeatedly, Romario said that you just have to ‘rock and roll’ with it.

“You know, 32 runs in one over is hard. And you will not get those 32 runs out every game,” he said.

“The expectation is high. So you set the bar high, and people expect you to go there and hit each ball for six and get a boundary and stuff like that. Unfortunately, in the game of cricket, that doesn't happen. And, you know, sometimes you've got to rock and roll with that,” he added.

While his batting performances indicate he has upskilled into a proper all-rounder, he's yet to join the party as a bowler, and he is eager to bounce back to his usual best.

“You know, each place you go, you have to try and adapt as fast as possible. And, you know, you must have plans,” his reply to a question on whether he is bowling on the flat Indian tracks the same way he does back home in the Caribbean.

“That's why we have team meetings and analysts to analyse where we bowl each batter. Over here, you can mis-execute, execute, and also go for runs. So, sometimes, you can't judge yourself based only on the run rate.

“You have to ask yourself if you did exactly what you wanted to do. The batter was better on the day, or if you were bowling, you know, wrong balls at wrong plans. So, I assess as quickly as possible and devise a plan.”

Shepherd assured that he is hitting the nets to bounce back with an improved bowling performance in the upcoming matches.

“My bowling hasn't been up to the mark in the tournament so far. So, whenever I get the next opportunity, I can bowl better because, you know, bowling has been going to our park, and, you know, myself is no exception.”