Kolkata Knight Riders have acquired Cameron Green for ₹25.20 crore this season, sparking widespread discussion about his role in the team. Speculation is rife over whether he will be considered for the captaincy or where he will slot into the playing XI. Green was on the radar of several franchises, but KKR was able to buy him due to their larger purse. However, despite the hefty price tag, team mentor Abhishek Nayar may not immediately deploy Green as the primary weapon, instead keeping him as a potential trump card.
At present, Cameron Green is not in peak form. In the ongoing Ashes series, his highest score has been 45, and he has taken just three wickets. This dip in form is bound to concern KKR. That said, in the IPL, a player often needs only one good over or innings to rediscover form, something the KKR management will be mindful of. While form may be a temporary issue, Green's fitness could be a more serious concern, given his less-than-ideal injury record.
Also Read | ‘Shubman Gill can’t be an all-format captain’, Monty Panesar draws comparison with Kohli
If not Green, who?
In such a scenario, Anukul Roy could help fill the gap. The left-arm spinner has featured in 29 T20 matches, claiming 16 wickets, and has been part of the KKR setup for several years. Abhishek Nayar has closely followed Roy's progress over a long period, which could lead to greater trust in him. Known for backing young talent, KKR may once again turn to Anukul Roy as a reliable option.
Anukul Roy
He has been part of KKR for six seasons but has featured in only 12 matches, taking six wickets and scoring 26 runs. Still largely an unfamiliar face to most opponents, he has yet to make a significant impact in T20s at the IPL level, though his domestic record tells a different story.
Also Read | 'Should coach a Ranji team': Monty Panesar targets Gautam Gambhir over India's repeated losses
Anukul Roy's domestic record
Anukul Roy played a key role in Jharkhand's triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. In 11 matches, he scored 303 runs at an impressive average of 60, with a highest score of 95, and also picked up 18 wickets.
With KKR looking to add batting depth for the 2026 IPL, Anukul Roy presents a valuable option. He can bat in the middle order at No. 4, 5, or 6, while also contributing with the ball.
