Anukul Roy – Biography, Career, Stats & Future Prospects
Anukul Roy is a promising Indian cricketer known for his left-arm orthodox spin bowling and useful lower-order batting. He came into the limelight after captaining India to victory in the 2018 ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup and has since been steadily building his career in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Early Life and Background
- Full Name: Anukul Sudhakar Roy
- Date of Birth: 30 November 1998
- Age: 26 years (as of 2025)
- Birthplace: Rosera, Samastipur district, Bihar, India
- Batting Style: Left-handed
- Bowling Style: Slow left-arm orthodox
- Role: All-rounder
Anukul Roy was born in Bihar but moved to Jharkhand to pursue professional cricket due to better infrastructure and opportunities. His disciplined approach and all-round abilities helped him rise quickly through age-group cricket.
Under-19 Career and Breakthrough
Anukul Roy gained national attention during the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2018 held in New Zealand. He served as the captain of the Indian U-19 team, which went on to win the tournament.
Key Highlights:
- Took 14 wickets in the tournament
- Finished as India’s leading wicket-taker
- Played a crucial role with his economical bowling
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills as captain
His performances established him as one of the most reliable spin-bowling all-rounders at the junior level.
Domestic Cricket Career
Anukul Roy represents Jharkhand in Indian domestic cricket and has been a consistent performer in:
- Ranji Trophy
- Vijay Hazare Trophy
- Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy
Strengths in Domestic Cricket:
- Effective on slow and turning pitches
- Accurate line and length in limited-overs formats
- Capable of contributing vital runs down the order
- Reliable fielder
His steady domestic performances have kept him in contention for higher honors.
IPL Career
Anukul Roy has been part of the Indian Premier League (IPL), where he has gained valuable experience by sharing dressing rooms with international stars.
IPL Teams:
- Mumbai Indians (MI) – Initially signed after his U-19 success
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Later acquired for his spin-all-round abilities
Although he has had limited match opportunities, his time in the IPL has helped him develop tactical awareness, fitness, and confidence.
Playing Style and Strengths
- Bowling: Accurate left-arm orthodox spinner, effective in middle overs
- Batting: Left-handed batsman capable of quick runs
- All-round Value: Adds balance to the team
- Temperament: Calm, disciplined, and team-oriented
His playing style is particularly useful in T20 and ODI formats, where control and versatility are crucial.
Achievements
- Captain of ICC U-19 World Cup 2018 winning team
- India’s highest wicket-taker in U-19 World Cup 2018
- Regular performer for Jharkhand in domestic cricket
- IPL experience with top franchises
Future Prospects
Anukul Roy is still considered a strong prospect for Indian cricket, especially as a spin-bowling all-rounder. With consistent performances in domestic cricket and more opportunities in the IPL, he could emerge as a valuable option for India A and potentially the senior national team.
Conclusion
Anukul Roy’s journey from a small town in Bihar to captaining India at a World Cup reflects his dedication and talent. While his rise has been gradual, his all-round skills, leadership experience, and calm mindset make him a player to watch in the coming years of Indian cricket.
