Jharkhand all-rounder Anukul Roy delivered a standout performance as the side created history on Thursday, December 18, clinching their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) title with a win over Haryana in the final. After piling up a formidable 262, Ishan Kishan-led Jharkhand sealed a dominant 69-run victory.
Roy played a key role in the triumph, smashing an unbeaten 40 off 20 deliveries, which included three boundaries and two sixes, and also claiming two vital wickets. With attention turning to the IPL following the 2026 auction, Roy did not go under the hammer, having been retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹40 lakh.
The 27-year-old has been part of the KKR setup since 2022, and the 2026 season will be his fifth campaign with the franchise. Here are three reasons KKR should include Anukul Roy in their IPL 2026 XI:
#3 Excellent T20 Form
As Jharkhand lifted the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Anukul Roy stood out as the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional all-round displays. The 27-year-old played 11 matches, amassing 303 runs in 10 innings at an impressive average of 60.30 and a strike rate of 160.31, which included one half-century.
His most notable knock came against Karnataka, where he remained unbeaten on 95 from 58 deliveries. With the ball, the left-arm spinner was just as effective, picking up 18 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 15.38, a strike rate of 12.44, and an economy rate of 7.41.
His best figures read 3/20. Considering his outstanding all-round form in the T20 format, KKR would benefit greatly from including the 27-year-old in their playing XI to make full use of his skill set and match-winning potential.
#2 Perfect Spin-Bowling All-Rounder For KKR’s Playing XI
Assessing KKR’s squad for the IPL 2026 season, the side appears short on genuine all-round options. Although Cameron Green has been added to the lineup, there are limited players who offer consistent contributions with both bat and ball. In such a scenario, Anukul Roy emerges as an important asset for the franchise.
The 27-year-old has featured in 70 T20 matches, accumulating 960 runs at an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 153.11, including two half-centuries. With the ball, he has taken 56 wickets, with his best figures being 4/17.
Despite KKR already possessing spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, Roy’s value increases against teams stacked with right-handed batters, where his left-arm spin can prove particularly effective. Notably, five of the six wickets he has taken in the IPL have been right-handers, underlining the impact he can offer to the side.
#1 His left-handed batting adds spin-hitting variety in the middle overs
The last reason KKR should feature Anukul Roy in their playing XI is his left-handed batting. Apart from Rinku Singh, the squad is largely composed of right-handers. Roy brings the ability to challenge spinners in the middle overs, a strength he displayed in the SMAT, and can also influence the game in the death overs, particularly in the final against Haryana.
Alongside his bowling, his batting provides valuable depth and balance, making him an important all-round option for KKR.
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