Anukul Roy: Awaiting His Moment in the IPL Spotlight

For a cricketer who has spent the better part of seven seasons within the vibrant ecosystem of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Anukul Roy has often found himself observing the action from the periphery, rarely at its heart. Teams have evolved, strategies have shifted with the introduction of the Impact Player rule, and opportunities have flickered in and out of reach. Throughout it all, the all-rounder has patiently waited, having featured in just 12 games across seven editions.

However, that wait may be drawing to a close. A stellar domestic season has propelled his name back into contention, and Roy attributes this resurgence to consistent performances – something he acknowledges had been elusive in previous years. “Every year, across 7-8 matches, I’d deliver in 2, 3, or 4,” Roy shared in an exclusive interview. “This year, it happened in every single game; I was able to contribute consistently. That was my focus, and it felt incredibly rewarding.”

A Shift in Perspective and Role

The change, Roy explains, wasn’t about drastically altering his game, but rather about a deeper understanding of his role within the team. Being promoted up the batting order for Jharkhand allowed him to exert a greater influence on matches than he could from the lower order. “With my skillset, I realized a match couldn’t be significantly changed in the last 10-12 balls,” he points out. “That’s why I aimed to bat for 30-35 balls, as I possess the capability to do so.”

This clarity emerged from conversations with the Jharkhand team management, particularly with JSCA secretary, Saurabh Tiwary. “I asked Saurabh bhaiya if my batting position could be moved up by one or two spots, believing it would allow me to contribute more effectively,” Roy recalls. “He said we’d assess it during the season. Eventually, he spoke with the coach and Ishan (Kishan), suggesting a change in the batting order, and confirming that my performances warranted it.”

The move proved transformative. Roy amassed over 300 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a striking rate of 160, leading Jharkhand to the championship title and earning him the Player of the Tournament award. He continued his impressive form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, maintaining a strike rate above 120 while averaging 49.

“Since Saurabh bhaiya took on the role of secretary, many positive changes occurred. Players were given opportunities to excel, and the team thrived. My domestic season also went exceptionally well personally,” he adds.

Guidance from Dhoni and IPL Learnings

Even amidst the demands of the domestic circuit, Roy kept the bigger picture in mind. A conversation with MS Dhoni proved particularly impactful. “This year, I spoke with Dhoni bhaiya as well. He emphasized that the more I excelled and performed consistently in domestic cricket, the more visible I would become, and the greater my chances of securing a spot in the IPL,” Roy remembers. “I’ve kept that advice close to my heart throughout the year.”

The years spent within various IPL setups, even when not consistently playing, have subtly shaped Roy’s game. He’s absorbed valuable lessons about navigating different match situations as a batter and understanding the intricacies of bowling in the Powerplay. “There were many small things I learned from the IPL,” he says. “Like how to bowl effectively in the Powerplay, how to manage left-right batting combinations, or how to approach batting early in the innings. I’ve implemented these learnings in domestic cricket with great success.”

Opportunity Knocks with Kolkata Knight Riders

This adaptability could be crucial for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who are currently facing injury concerns. This situation could prove to be a fortunate turn of events for the 27-year-old, as the team needs a player who can contribute with both bat and ball, particularly in the absence of Harshit Rana. However, Roy understands that securing a consistent place in the playing XI will require him to deliver across multiple disciplines.

“The team already has two established spinners (Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine), so they will likely be prioritized,” he acknowledges. “My opportunity lies in proving my worth as a third option, showcasing my capabilities with both batting and bowling. I’ve focused on developing both aspects of my game, recognizing that relying solely on bowling won’t be enough. I need to contribute with the bat as well.”

Roy also benefited from the mentorship of experienced teammates during his time with KKR and MI. Conversations with Narine, Chakaravarthy, and Krunal Pandya have enriched his bowling and tactical awareness. “I learned about backspin from Varun bhai, how to get the arm ball to swing from Narine, and the nuances of the yorker from Krunal. He shared valuable insights on when to utilize the cross seam and when to bowl a yorker with the seam. He explained how to target batters who struggle with the ball on their feet with a seaming yorker.”

At 27, Anukul Roy is no longer a promising prospect, nor is he content with simply being part of the setup. “I’ve been waiting for years for this opportunity,” Roy states. The pieces, slowly but surely, seem to be falling into place. Whether this translates into impactful performances at the highest level remains to be seen, but for the first time in his IPL journey, Anukul Roy isn’t just waiting for an opportunity – he’s actively positioned himself to seize it.

Learn more about the IPL: Official IPL Website

Read more about Anukul Roy’s domestic performance: Cricbuzz