Why Romario Shepherd is Not Playing Today in NEP vs WI T20 World Cup 2026?

In the 25th match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, Nepal and West Indies are up against each other at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. This is an important game for the Caribbean nation as a win will take them straight to the Super 8 stage. On the other hand, Nepal will be looking to get their first win of the competition.

West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and decided to bowl first. Things have gone well for them so far and they will be looking to continue their winning momentum. West Indies made just one change to their playing XI where all-rounder Romario Shepherd has been left out of the team.

Why Romario Shepherd Is Not Playing Today Against Nepal?

Shepherd, who is among the best all-rounders in the world, has been excellent in this tournament so far, especially with the ball. But Hope revealed that the big-hitting all-rounder has a slight niggle due to which he was suffering a bit. As a result, he is not playing the NEP vs WI T20 World Cup 2026 match.

Bowling all-rounder Matthew Forde has been roped in as Romario Shepherd replacement as the team management does not want to risk their star player ahead of the more important matches coming ahead.

West Indies have won their first two games and this is their chance proceed to the next stage of the tournament. They already have one foot in the next round as they have restricted Nepal to a paltry score. Meanwhile, Nepal have already lost two matches and a defeat in this one will end their World Cup campaign.

West Indies Playing 11 Against Nepal

Brandon King, Shai Hope (c) (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph

Romario Shepherd Shines With Ball in T20 World Cup 2026

Romario Shepherd has been in an incredible form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Playing in two games, he has picked up six wickets at an average of just 4.50. His bowling has played a huge role in West Indies' magnificent victories in the first two games.

He claimed a five-wicket haul in the first match against Scotland, which also included a hat-trick. In the second match, he bowled one over where he went on to pick up a wicket. While he hasn't got many chances with the bat so far, his bowling has continued to improve.

Apart from being in good form with the ball, Shepherd is also one of the most dangerous batsmen in the world. His big-hitting abilities can play a huge role in WI's further games, where they are likely to play some of the strongest teams.