IPL 2026: Anukul Roy’s Rise, Ishan Kishan Inspiration and the Journey Fueling KKR’s Revival

Anukul Roy may not dominate headlines like Sunil Narine or Rinku Singh, but the left-arm spinner has quietly emerged as one of the most important figures behind Kolkata Knight Riders' resurgence in IPL 2026.

KKR's season looked shaky during the early phase of the tournament before the side suddenly rediscovered rhythm through a series of dominant performances. Amid that turnaround, Anukul Roy's consistency with the ball and adaptability across phases of the innings have become increasingly valuable for the franchise.

The latest example came during KKR's crushing win over Delhi Capitals, where Roy delivered another impactful spell, returning with figures of 2/31 and dismissing both Pathum Nissanka and Tristan Stubbs. The performance helped KKR restrict

Delhi to 143 before comfortably chasing the target in 14.2 overs for a fourth consecutive victory.

The Unsung Role in KKR's Bowling Attack

While Narine and Varun Chakravarthy continue attracting attention as KKR's primary spin threats, Roy has quietly provided the balance that allows the attack to function smoothly.

The 27-year-old has been trusted in multiple phases this season - bowling in the powerplay, through the middle overs and occasionally even controlling momentum during pressure situations.

Roy's numbers underline how effective he has been.

In 10 matches this season, he has picked up eight wickets from 20.1 overs at an average of 22.37 - figures remarkably close to Narine's 22.80 and even better than Chakravarthy's 25.00.

More importantly, Roy's discipline has allowed KKR to execute tactical flexibility with their spin combinations. "Bowling in the powerplay, it's about containing, don't give anything extra and use the long boundaries, and that has helped me," Roy explained.

The spinner credited KKR's coaching staff for simplifying his plans.

"Coaches also give me a plan and I just try to stick to that and remain calm in my mind," he added.

Anukul Roy Wants Bigger Batting Responsibility

Despite making his biggest impact with the ball this season, Roy has also openly expressed his desire for a larger batting role within the side.

KKR have largely used him according to match situations, but Roy believes his preferred role remains in the middle order around positions six or seven.

"Normally here at KKR I am sent to bat according to the situation, but things have not clicked much with the bat till now for me," Roy said.

"But if you ask my favourite position, it is No. 6-7 as I've been batting at that position from the beginning. "

Roy's confidence as a batter comes from his domestic success with Jharkhand, where he enjoyed a clearly defined role during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

For Jharkhand, Roy scored 303 runs at a strike rate above 160 while also taking 18 wickets to win the Player-of-the-Series award.

"My role was clear for Jharkhand, that I would bat at No. 5 whatever may be the situation," Roy explained.

"That clarity really helped me in our campaign. "

His ability with the bat was also visible earlier this IPL season when he smashed 29 not out off 16 balls against Rajasthan Royals and stitched an unbeaten 76-run stand with Rinku Singh.

The Bihar Connection and Ishan Kishan Influence

Anukul Roy's cricket journey carries striking similarities to that of Ishan Kishan. Born in Seraikela and raised in Samastipur, Bihar, Roy eventually shifted to Jamshedpur to pursue cricket seriously at a time when Bihar lacked a Ranji Trophy structure.

The path mirrored Kishan's own journey from Patna to Jharkhand cricket several years earlier.

Roy revealed that watching Kishan adapt away from home inspired him immensely during his early years. "He went from Patna and I from Samastipur Bihar, so we both had a similar path coming from Bihar," Roy said.

"It's really a struggle when you stay away from family - eating, playing, going to practice on time. He also did it. I also saw him and got inspired seeing him. "

The KKR all-rounder also praised Kishan's dressing-room personality and positivity. "Wherever he is, he always lifts the environment, makes it a happy atmosphere," Roy added.

"Even if you had a bad day in the match, you go back and enjoy the atmosphere in the dressing room and think about the next day. "

From U-19 World Cup Star to IPL Contributor

Roy first caught national attention during India's victorious 2018 Under-19 World Cup campaign under Prithvi Shaw.

The left-arm spinner finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 14 wickets and shared the dressing room with future stars like Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma.

However, unlike several teammates who quickly became IPL regulars, Roy's own journey has required greater patience.

This IPL season may finally be changing that.

KKR's faith in Roy through regular selection and important bowling responsibilities is now beginning to translate into consistent impact performances.

And as the playoff race intensifies, Anukul Roy is increasingly looking less like a supporting squad player and more like a crucial piece of Kolkata Knight Riders' revival story.