'We never went to school with shoes on our feet' - Romario Shepherd sheds light on his modest upbringing

Romario Shepherd, West Indies all-rounder, recently opened up on his humble upbringing in Baracara, Guyana ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The 29-year-old was roped in by five-time champions Mumbai Indians following a successful trade with Lucknow Super Giants.

Shepherd stated that he always remains grounded, taking into account the struggles he has undergone in the past. He went on to say that the roads in Baracara were not concrete and most of the children went to school in bare feet, with the transportation there being by river.

"I try to remain humble because I know where I come from. I know how hard it was to come up. In 2021, I talked about my life story. We never went to school with shoes on our feet - 99% of the kids never went to school with shoes on their feet. In Baracara, you never go to school with shoes on the feet because most times you get a boat to school. Most of the transportation there is by river. There's no concrete road as such, just mud roads," Shepherd told ESPNcricinfo.

Also read: Romario Shepherd traded from Lucknow Super Giants to Mumbai Indians

While asked about his secret to striking big sixes, the all-rounder stated that it's mostly about his strength and a good bat. He, however, admitted that nobody can expect a finisher to hit a maximum from the first delivery. He added that he embraces the finishing role and always backs himself fully no matter who the bowler is.

"Sometimes it's just strength (laughs) and having a good bat. It's tough - everyone expects us [finishers] to go and hit a six from ball one. Some days it just doesn't happen. You need to go out there and try to hit sixes from ball one. But once you get it right, you can get your name up there fast. I embrace that role and I trust my process. It doesn't matter who is bowling, I back myself to clear the rope against them because I know my strength. So it's my strength vs your strength when I'm at the crease," he added.

I'm going to make sure that Shamar Joseph doesn't get me out: Shepherd

Romario Shepherd further spoke about his fellow countryman Shamar Joseph who is set to play for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024. He praised the 24-year-old's ability to bowl 150 kph and humorously stated that he would try to not get dismissed by the former.

Also read: 'He's strong, he should be in the squad' - Chris Gayle bats for Shamar Joseph's inclusion in West Indies' T20 WC squad

"We have played practice games in Guyana and he has bowled to me in the nets and got me out, but this will be the first time in an official game. Shamar is bowling fast; he has gotten faster. He can bowl 150kph and I have to be more careful with him. If he gets me out [in the IPL], he's going to tell me about it all day (laughs), so I'm going to make sure that he doesn't get me out," Shepherd concluded.