Anukul Roy

Anukul Roy is an emerging star in Indian cricket, renowned for his impactful lower-order batting and skillful left-arm orthodox spin. He first gained attention during the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World
Cup, where his exceptional performances were instrumental in India's triumphant campaign. His knack for taking crucial wickets demonstrated his potential as a future cricket sensation.

Roy's IPL career began when he was drafted by the Mumbai Indians in 2018. While his early appearances were limited, he maximized this time by absorbing knowledge from veteran players, enhancing his skills in the process. He made his IPL debut in 2019, but his transfer to Kolkata ahead of the 2022 season truly elevated his chances, allowing him more platforms to exhibit his talent.

As a bowling all-rounder, Roy has proven to be an invaluable asset in domestic cricket, representing Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy and in various formats. His capacity to control the middle overs with his accurate left-arm spin, coupled with his ability to score vital runs lower in the batting order, showcases his versatility. Furthermore, his commendable fielding skills and athleticism make him a reliable performer in the outfield.

Anukul Roy has been part of the Kolkata Knight Riders setup for several years, including the franchise's title-winning campaign in 2024. However, with intense competition for places, his opportunities in the playing XI have been limited, though he has made a decent impact whenever called upon.

His 2025/26 domestic season, though, proved to be a turning point in his career as he delivered outstanding performances for Jharkhand across formats. Roy played a key role in Jharkhand's first-ever Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy triumph, scoring 303 runs and picking up 18 wickets, including an unbeaten 40 off 20 and a couple of wickets in the final, which helped him earn the Player of the Tournament award. One of the standout moments of the campaign came against Karnataka, where he smashed 95 off 58 to guide his side to a dramatic two-wicket win from a precarious 105/6 while chasing 158. He also impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring 245 runs in seven matches, including a best of an unbeaten 98 against Pondicherry. Roy carried that form into the Ranji Trophy as well, claiming 29 wickets in seven games while also contributing 180 runs with the bat. His remarkable domestic run convinced Kolkata Knight Riders to retain him ahead of the 2026 IPL season, where he will hope to earn more opportunities following his excellent exploits.