Shepherd in Contention for Super Eight Opener as Sammy Confirms Full Squad Availability
Romario Shepherd is in line to return for the West Indies in their opening Super Eight clash against Zimbabwe on Monday, with head coach Daren Sammy confirming that the entire squad is fit and available for selection.
Shepherd, 31, has been sidelined over the past week but showed encouraging signs during training sessions at the Wankhede Stadium. Despite heavy strapping running from his right knee down to his calf, the all-rounder displayed his trademark power-hitting, launching deliveries over the stadium roof during Saturday’s net session.
Teammates applauded his return to the nets, prompting Shepherd to playfully shadow the towering front-foot swat over long-on that had cleared the ground moments earlier.
“He practised well yesterday,” Sammy said. “Bowled quite well, hit the ball very, very cleanly. The good thing for us is that everybody is available for selection. Going into the Super Eight, that’s what you want. I’m glad to know and happy to know that all my soldiers are ready.”
Shepherd was also among the first players at practice on Sunday, completing his bowling run-up with minimal discomfort. Earlier in the tournament, he produced a standout performance against Scotland, claiming a five-wicket haul that included a hat-trick. However, he has not featured in a match since February 11.
The Super Eight fixture will be played on the same pitch used during the India versus USA group-stage encounter in Mumbai.
Respect for Zimbabwe
Looking ahead to the clash, Sammy expressed admiration for Zimbabwe’s journey to the Super Eight stage. He highlighted the leadership of captain Sikandar Raza and the team’s spirited support base.
“Zimbabwe missing out the last T20 World Cup, you know. They are led well. Sikandar, very confident, he leads by example,” Sammy said. “And they’ve got six fans in the stands who sound like one million. Nobody gives you a chance — and that can be powerful motivation.”
West Indies hold a strong record against Zimbabwe in T20 internationals, having won three of their four previous meetings. The lone defeat came 16 years ago in Port-of-Spain, when Zimbabwe successfully defended a modest total of 105. Sammy was part of the West Indies side that day, alongside Ravi Rampaul, now serving as the team’s bowling coach.
On Super Eight Seedings
Sammy also weighed in on the debate surrounding pre-appointed seedings in the Super Eight stage, though he admitted logistical considerations often influence such decisions.
“I guess if you take the logistics that come into it, trying to give the fans who probably travel an opportunity to plan ahead,” he said. “But when people say West Indies or Zimbabwe came out of the group, that means somebody seeded there didn’t. Zimbabwe did what they had to do.”
He added that perceived underdog status can serve as added fuel.
“If we were not seeded and saw certain teams placed ahead of us, that gives motivation. I’m pretty sure Zimbabwe looked at their group and used that as inspiration to play the way they have.”
With a fully fit squad and momentum building, West Indies will look to start their Super Eight campaign strongly against a confident Zimbabwe side eager to prove they belong on the big stage.