3 reasons why KKR must play Anukul Roy in the XI in IPL 2026 

Jharkhand all-rounder Anukul Roy played a starring role as the team made history on Thursday, December 18, by lifting their maiden Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) after defeating Haryana in the final. After posting a massive 262 on the board, Jharkhand, led by Ishan Kishan, went on to secure a comprehensive 69-run victory.

Anukul Roy was instrumental in the win, playing a brilliant cameo of 40 not out off 20 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while also picking up a couple of crucial wickets.

With the IPL once again in the spotlight following the 2026 auction, Anukul Roy did not enter the bidding as he was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for ₹40 lakh. The 27-year-old has been with the franchise since 2022, and the 2026 edition will mark his fifth season with the team.

On that note, here are three reasons why KKR must include Anukul Roy in their playing XI for IPL 2026.

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#1 Outstanding T20 form

As Jharkhand clinched the 2025 SMAT, Anukul Roy emerged as the Player of the Tournament for his brilliant all-round performances. The 27-year-old featured in 11 games, scoring 303 runs in 10 innings at an exceptional average of 60.30 and a strike rate of 160.31, including a fifty. His standout innings came against Karnataka, where he remained unbeaten on 95 off 58 balls.

The left-arm spinner was equally impactful with the ball, claiming 18 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 15.38, a strike rate of 12.44, and an economy of 7.41, with his best figures being 3/20.

Given his stellar all-round form in the shortest format, KKR must include the 27-year-old in their playing XI to fully utilize his expertise and match-winning abilities.

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#2 Ideal spin-bowling all-rounder for KKR’s playing XI

Looking at KKR’s squad for the IPL 2026 season, the team lacks genuine all-rounders. While they have brought in Cameron Green, there are hardly any other true multi-dimensional players. In this context, Anukul Roy becomes a crucial factor for the team.

The 27-year-old has appeared in 70 T20 matches, scoring 960 runs at an average of 25.94 and a strike rate of 153.11, including two fifties. With the ball, he has claimed 56 wickets, with best figures of 4/17.

While KKR already has spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, Roy’s role becomes particularly important against opposition sides with multiple right-handed batters, where his left-arm spin can be especially effective. Out of the six wickets he has taken in the IPL so far, five have been of right-handed batters, highlighting the significant impact he can bring to the team.

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#3 His left-handedness will add variety as a spin-hitter in the middle overs

The final reason KKR must include Anukul Roy in their playing XI is his left-handed batting. Looking at the squad, Rinku Singh appears to be the only left-hander likely to start, with the rest of the team stacked with right-handers.

By bringing Roy into the XI, KKR can take advantage of his ability to attack spinners in the middle overs. He demonstrated this in the SMAT, while also making an impact in the death overs, particularly in the final against Haryana. Along with his bowling, his handy batting adds depth and balance to the team, making him a valuable all-round option for KKR.