Kolkata Knight Riders Find Stability in Anukul Roy as Allrounder Delivers in IPL 2026

Kolkata Knight Riders allrounder Anukul Roy continued his impressive IPL 2026 campaign with another match-winning performance, this time against Delhi Capitals on Friday.

While explosive batter Finn Allen grabbed the headlines with his batting, Roy quietly played a crucial role in KKR’s victory through his disciplined bowling and sharp fielding.

Roy opened the bowling for KKR and delivered a tidy spell in the powerplay, conceding just 18 runs in his first two overs. He later struck twice in the 11th over, dismissing Pathum Nissanka and Tristan Stubbs, before finishing with figures of 2 for 31 in four overs.

The 27-year-old also produced one of the standout moments in the field, taking a stunning catch at deep midwicket to remove DC captain Axar Patel late in the innings.

Former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta believes Roy’s rise this season has been driven by clarity in his role and the confidence shown in him by the KKR management.

“He’s always been a good player, but this season he has clarity,” Dasgupta said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut show. “He knows he will bowl in the powerplay, and he also contributes with the bat. Add his fielding to that, and he becomes a really good package.”

Roy has been one of only seven KKR players to feature in all ten matches this season, and the continuity appears to have helped him settle into a consistent rhythm.

His domestic performances in 2025-26 had already hinted at a breakthrough year. In the Ranji Trophy, Roy emerged as Jharkhand’s leading wicket-taker with 29 wickets at an average of 23.51. He then impressed in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 245 runs at an average of 49.

However, it was in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy that Roy truly showcased his allround abilities. He scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 160.31 and claimed 18 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 7.41, helping Jharkhand lift the title.

That form has now translated into the IPL. Roy has already produced a memorable unbeaten 29 off 16 balls against Rajasthan Royals earlier in the season, while his bowling remains a valuable asset for KKR. In IPL 2026 so far, he has picked up eight wickets in just over 20 overs at an economy rate of 8.87.

Former New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell McClenaghan praised KKR for backing proven domestic performers like Roy instead of chasing more glamorous options.

“Players like Anukul can easily get overlooked,” McClenaghan said. “But he has shown he can step in and do a job whenever needed.”

KKR’s depth in allrounders has also provided tactical flexibility. Alongside Roy, the team boasts players such as Cameron Green and Sunil Narine, giving the side multiple bowling options through different phases of the innings.

Green highlighted Roy’s value after the match, saying the left-arm spinner’s effectiveness has allowed others in the bowling group to operate with greater freedom.

“Anu has been exceptional for us,” Green said. “Having allrounders like him gives us balance and flexibility. We can share the workload and adapt according to the situation.”

With consistent performances and growing trust from the team management, Roy is rapidly becoming one of KKR’s most dependable players in IPL 2026.