Could simply get neglected for the following flashy toy

Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan has praised Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) over their utilization of all-rounder Anukul Roy. McClenaghan stated that domestic performers can often get overlooked for lack of flamboyance, but asserted that the case has not been the same with Roy.

Left-arm spinner Roy starred with 2-31 in his four overs as KKR beat Delhi Capitals (DC) by eight wickets in match number 51 of IPL 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Friday, May 8. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Tristan Stubbs as DC were held to 142-8 after being asked to bat first.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, McClenaghan shared his views on the underrated KKR all-rounder and commented:

“He’s played enough, and he’s been in squads enough. Quite often, you are overlooking guys who can do jobs, like Anukul. Proven domestic performers who could come in and do a job if you need them for a couple of games. It’s good that guys like Anukul Roy are getting opportunities because you could easily get overlooked for the next flashy toy.”

Roy has been part of the KKR camp since IPL 2022. In 10 matches this season, he has claimed eight wickets at an average of 22.37 and an economy rate of 8.87.

“He’s always been a good player” – Deep Dasgupta on KKR all-rounder Anukul Roy

Former India keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta opined that there has never been any doubt over Roy’s talent. He, however, added that the 27-year-old looks a lot more confident after having tasted plenty of success in domestic cricket recently. He also praised the Jharkhand star for his versatility and commented:

“He’s always been a good player, and this season, the domestic season, he has done well. So that confidence, and also the confidence of knowing that he’s going to play more often than not [has helped him]. And also the clarity. He’s the one who bowls in the powerplay, more often than not he will bowl at least an over or two in the powerplay, and then the fact that he can bat and he’s a decently good bat.”

In the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Roy scored 303 runs at a strike rate of 160.31, and picked up 18 wickets at an economy rate of 7.41. In his overall IPL career, the KKR cricketer has played 22 matches and has claimed 14 scalps, averaging 28.35 at an economy rate of 8.47.