The quest for national recognition in Indian cricket is often a grueling marathon of consistency and patience. For Anukul Roy, the versatile Jharkhand all-rounder, this journey has reached a pivotal juncture. As the 2026 cricketing season approaches, Roy finds himself balancing the responsibilities of being a domestic mainstay for Jharkhand with the high-stakes expectations of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League. With a mindset focused on precision, Roy is making it clear that his immediate goal is to ensure his “batting and bowling remain top-notch” while he waits for the call to higher honors.
A Domestic Powerhouse for Jharkhand
Anukul Roy’s domestic credentials have never been in doubt. Since his debut, he has been a cornerstone of the Jharkhand lineup across all formats. His ability to control the middle overs with his slow left-arm orthodox spin and provide stability or late-order fireworks with the bat has made him an indispensable asset.
In the first-class arena, Roy’s numbers tell the story of a player who thrives under pressure. Across 31 matches, he has amassed 1,515 runs at an impressive average of 34.43, including three centuries and seven half-centuries. His bowling is equally potent, with 94 wickets at an average of 25.14. These statistics highlight a rare breed of cricketer—one who can genuinely influence a game in both departments. In the shorter formats, his utility remains high; he has taken 50 wickets in 46 List A matches and 34 wickets in 46 T20 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 7.15 that keeps the opposition in check.
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Navigating the IPL Landscape with KKR
Despite his domestic dominance, the transition to a regular IPL starter has been a lesson in perseverance. Having been a part of the KKR setup for several seasons, Roy has often filled the role of a tactical specialist or a “supersub” due to the franchise’s deep roster of spinners like Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy.
His IPL career spans 12 matches, where opportunities to bat have been scarce, resulting in 26 runs. However, his bowling has frequently shown glimpses of his Under-19 World Cup-winning pedigree. With 6 career IPL wickets and a best of 2 for 19, he has proven that he can deliver when called upon. For the 2026 season, KKR has once again shown faith in him, retaining him for ₹40 lakh. For Roy, the upcoming season isn’t just about being a squad player; it’s about breaking into the XI consistently and proving that he belongs on the biggest stage.
The Ambition for Higher Honours
The ultimate dream for any domestic performer is the blue jersey of the senior Indian team. Having already experienced the pinnacle of youth cricket as the joint-leading wicket-taker in the 2018 U-19 World Cup, Roy is hungry for the next step. He understands that the bridge between domestic success and international selection is paved with “top-notch” performances in the IPL.
“I am working hard on both my skills,” Roy noted, reflecting on his preparation. He has been focusing on increasing his range of shots to become a more dangerous lower-order finisher, while simultaneously refining his drift and turn to remain effective on the flat tracks often found in T20 cricket. His goal is to be a player who cannot be ignored by the national selectors, using his versatility as his primary calling card.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the IPL 2026 season looms, the narrative for Anukul Roy is one of readiness. He remains a livewire in the field—a “three-dimensional” player who saves runs in the circle and takes spectacular catches in the deep. This athletic ability, combined with his dual-threat skill set, makes him a coach’s delight.
For Jharkhand, he will continue to be the leader of the pack, but for KKR and himself, the stakes are higher. He is no longer just a young prospect; at 27, he is entering his prime. By ensuring his batting and bowling remain at an elite level, Anukul Roy is not just waiting for higher honors—he is actively knocking on the door, ready to seize the opportunity the moment it arrives. The 2026 season may well be the year the “Jharkhand Gem” finally polishes his way to the national spotlight.
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