West Indies fast-bowling all-rounder, Romario Shepherd, is brimming with confidence heading into the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2020 competition with an eye on a spot in the T20 World Cup.
Shepherd, 25, was one of eight players retained by the five-time finalists Guyana Amazon Warriors (GAW) ahead of the draft. This came as no surprise with the burly right-hander striking at 205 with bat in hand while picking up 13 wickets at an average of 19.
Stabroek Sport reached out to the Tucber Park Cricket Club powerhouse who shared his enthusiasm to turn out in the ‘biggest party in sport.’
“It’s a great feeling to be retained by the GAW,” Shepherd professed while adding, “[it is] such an amazing franchise and with them showing their faith in me to retain me is an amazing feeling and I am thankful.”
The fast-bowler relished in his performance last year, comparing the campaign to, “a break-out season.”
He noted, “I’m happy with what I did last season but I’m not completely satisfied because I know I can do better so I’m looking to improve my performance this year.”
Shepherd welcomed the tag of being a dependable player and expressed comfort in being a match-winner, a label that he says, motivates him heading forward.
According to the touring Guyana Jaguars’ all-rounder, preparation is key since, “It is the biggest stage for me to put my name up there in the conversation for a spot in the West Indies side for the T20 World Cup later this year.”
Shepherd posited that his confidence is high and his faith is even stronger coming through from last season.
Despite two months of cricket lost due to the restrictions of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), Shepherd is still able to keep up his fitness due to his home gym.
The CPL is scheduled to take place between 19 August and 26 September but the tournament organisers are currently watching the current situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical advisors and governments. A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time, will be made as soon as possible.
