Anukul Roy

The slow left-armer finished as the joint leading wicket-taker in a victorious campaign for India under-19s in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018, picking up 14 wickets from just six games at a remarkable average of 9.07. His all-round ability was on display in the semifinal against Pakistan, where his handy cameo under pressure hinted at the batting potential he possessed alongside his bowling.

Hailing from Samastipur in Bihar, Anukul Roy had to shift to Jharkhand to chase better cricketing opportunities, and his journey to the World Cup wasn’t straightforward. A stress-related ankle injury ruled him out of the Under-19 Challenger Trophy and the Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, but strong performances on the England tour were enough to convince Rahul Dravid that he deserved a spot on the flight to New Zealand. A left-arm spinner and left-handed batter, Anukul has often drawn comparisons with Ravindra Jadeja, not just for his skillset but also for his energy on the field and sharp throwing arm.

After being picked up by Mumbai Indians in 2018, Anukul had to wait for opportunities, but it was with Kolkata Knight Riders that he began to carve out a role for himself. Though his overall IPL numbers remain modest - 11 matches and 6 wickets up to the 2025 season - they don’t fully reflect his value as a containing bowler who can quietly build pressure. However, with established names like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy occupying primary spin roles, Anukul has often found himself on the fringes, used more as a tactical option rather than a first-choice pick.

Away from the IPL, Anukul has continued to grow steadily with the Jharkhand cricket team in domestic cricket. In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, he has been a consistent performer with the ball, regularly chipping in with crucial wickets while maintaining control in the middle overs. His performances in the Ranji Trophy have also highlighted his development as a dependable lower-order batter, capable of contributing valuable runs and stitching partnerships. Over the past couple of domestic seasons, he has shown greater maturity with the bat and more confidence in his overall game, reinforcing his credentials as a genuine all-rounder rather than just a specialist spinner.

Anukul Roy remains a player with untapped potential. His ability to bowl economically, contribute in the field and add depth with the bat keeps him relevant in a competitive KKR setup. However, for him to cement a more regular place in the XI, he will need to evolve from being merely restrictive to becoming more incisive as a wicket-taking option. If he can add that cutting edge to his bowling or develop into a more reliable finisher with the bat, Anukul Roy has every chance of transitioning from a squad player into a key all-round asset. As things stand, IPL 2026 could be a defining season - one where consistent opportunities might finally allow him to convert promise into sustained impact.