Anukul Roy: Rising Indian All-Rounder Eyeing Bigger Role in IPL 2025 with Kolkata Knight Riders

Anukul Roy, the talented left-arm spinning all-rounder from India, continues to make strides in his cricketing career. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, the 27-year-old has once again donned the purple and gold of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), aiming to cement his place in the star-studded lineup.

Known for his economical slow left-arm orthodox bowling, handy lower-order batting, and electric fielding, Anukul Roy is a player who embodies the modern all-rounder archetype in Indian cricket.

Born on November 30, 1998, in a small village in Bihar, Anukul Roy’s journey to professional cricket is one of perseverance and talent. Like many aspiring cricketers from Bihar, which did not have a Ranji Trophy team at the time, Roy relocated to Jharkhand to pursue his dreams.

This move proved pivotal, allowing him to represent Jharkhand in domestic circuits and catch the eye of selectors.

Early Life and Rise Through the Ranks

Anukul Sudhakar Roy hails from Bhirha in Samastipur district, Bihar. He started his cricket in local tennis-ball tournaments before moving to Jamshedpur for better opportunities.

Idolizing Ravindra Jadeja, Roy developed his skills as a left-handed batsman and slow left-arm spinner. His strong throwing arm and agility in the field made him a standout even in his early days.

Roy’s breakthrough came during the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand, where he was selected under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid. Despite missing some preparatory tournaments due to an ankle injury, Roy shone brightly.

He finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets, playing a crucial role in India’s triumphant campaign. His performances included key spells that restricted opponents and turned matches in India’s favor.This success propelled him into the limelight, earning him a spot in the Mumbai Indians squad for the IPL 2018 auction.

Domestic Cricket Career: Consistent Performer for Jharkhand

Anukul Roy made his List A debut for Jharkhand in the 2017-18 Vijay Hazare Trophy shortly after the U-19 World Cup. His first-class debut followed in the 2018-19 Ranji Trophy against Assam, where he impressed with an 80 in the first innings.

Over the years, Roy has been a reliable asset for Jharkhand across formats. In limited-overs cricket, he has often controlled the middle overs with his accurate spin while chipping in with quick runs down the order.

His fielding has been a bonus, with sharp catches and run-outs.In the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Roy has had notable performances, including a match-winning unbeaten 96 against Jammu & Kashmir, showcasing his batting prowess from No. 8.

He has also been among the leading wicket-takers for Jharkhand in several seasons.Though yet to break into the senior Indian team, Roy was named in India B’s squad for the 2019-20 Deodhar Trophy, indicating his potential for higher honors.

IPL Journey: From Mumbai Indians to Kolkata Knight Riders

Anukul Roy’s IPL career began with Mumbai Indians, who bought him ahead of the 2018 season. He made his IPL debut in 2019 against Chennai Super Kings but had limited opportunities in a stacked MI side.In 2022, Kolkata Knight Riders acquired him in the auction, and he has since been part of their setup.

Roy contributed to KKR’s IPL 2024 triumph, even if mostly from the bench, gaining valuable experience in a championship-winning environment.Ahead of IPL 2025, KKR retained their faith in him, buying him for ₹40 lakh in the mega auction after a bidding war with Delhi Capitals.

His base price was ₹30 lakh, reflecting his growing reputation as a utility player.In IPL 2025, Roy has already made appearances, including a match against Delhi Capitals at Arun Jaitley Stadium in April, where he came in as a replacement spinner.

Notably, he made an instant impact by dismissing Abishek Porel in his first over, highlighting his ability to strike early.As of now, Anukul Roy has played around 12 IPL matches, scoring 26 runs and picking wickets sparingly, but his economy and fielding contributions have been vital.

Often used as an impact substitute fielder in previous seasons, 2025 offers him a chance for more bowling and batting opportunities in KKR’s balanced side featuring stars like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell.

Playing Style and Strengths

Anukul Roy is a classic left-arm orthodox spinner who flights the ball cleverly and uses variations to deceive batsmen.

His control makes him ideal for middle-overs restriction, especially on turning tracks.With the bat, he is aggressive lower down, capable of quick cameos.

His left-handedness adds variety to any lineup. Fielding is perhaps his standout attribute – a livewire with a rocket arm, reminiscent of his idol Jadeja.At 5’8″ and agile, Roy is a complete package for T20 cricket, where all-rounders are gold dust.

Anukul Roy Stats Overview (As of December 2025)

• IPL Career: Matches – 12, Runs – 26, Highest – 13*, Wickets – Limited, Economy – Economical spells
• Domestic Highlights: Key contributor in Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Jharkhand
• U-19 World Cup 2018: 14 wickets (joint-highest)

Future Prospects: India Call-Up on the Horizon?

At 27, Anukul Roy is entering his prime. With consistent domestic performances and increased IPL exposure, many experts believe he could soon knock on the doors of the Indian team, especially in white-ball formats where India seeks depth in spinning all-rounders alongside Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja.

His versatility makes him a potential asset for India A tours or emerging squads. If he grabs opportunities in the remainder of IPL 2025, a national call-up could follow.

KKR’s mentoring under Gautam Gambhir (in previous seasons) and current setup provides the perfect platform for Roy to unleash his full potential.

Why Anukul Roy is One to Watch in IPL 2025

In a season where spin plays a crucial role, Anukul Roy’s skills could prove decisive for KKR. Whether containing runs, taking wickets, accelerating in death overs, or pulling off brilliant fielding efforts, Roy has all the tools.Fans searching for “Anukul Roy IPL 2025 performance,” “Anukul Roy wickets,” or “Anukul Roy KKR” will find a player on the cusp of a breakthrough.

As Indian cricket grooms its next generation of all-rounders, Anukul Roy stands tall among them.Stay tuned for more updates on Anukul Roy’s journey in IPL 2025 and beyond.

This Bihar-born talent, representing Jharkhand and KKR, is poised for greater things.