For a cricketer who has spent the better part of seven seasons in the IPL ecosystem, Anukul Roy has largely existed on the sidelines around the action, but rarely at the centre of it. Squads have changed, combinations have evolved due to the Impact Player rule, and opportunities have come and gone. Through it all, having played just 12 games in seven editions, the all-rounder has waited.
That wait, however, might finally be nearing an end.
Table of Contents
The Domestic Breakthrough
A strong domestic season has pushed his name back into the conversation, and he attributes that to his consistent performances, something he admits had eluded him in previous years.
“Every year across 7-8 matches, I’d perform in 2, 3 or 4 matches,” Roy says in an exclusive chat with Cricbuzz. “This year it happened in every game; I could contribute in every game. I was keeping that in mind while playing, so that felt good.”
| Anukul Roy’s IPL Journey | Stats |
|---|---|
| IPL seasons | 7 editions |
| Games played | Only 12 matches |
| Years waiting | Better part of 7 seasons |
| Previous franchises | MI, KKR |
The shift, as he explains, was less about changing his game and more about understanding his role better. Batting higher up the order for Jharkhand allowed him to influence games in a way he couldn’t from the lower order.
“For what I can do, in the last 10-12 balls the match cannot be changed,” he points out. “That’s why I wanted to play 30-35 balls, because I have the capability.”
The Batting Position Breakthrough
That clarity came after conversations with the Jharkhand team management, particularly with the JSCA secretary, Saurabh Tiwary.
“I had asked Saurabh bhaiya if my batting position could be moved up by 1 or 2 spots; then I can perform for the team,” Roy recalls. “He said we’ll see during the season. So during the season, he spoke to the coach and Ishan (Kishan), suggested a batting order change, and said that I was doing well.”
The move worked spectacularly. Roy ended up scoring over 300 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy at a strike rate of 160. Jharkhand were eventually crowned champions, with Roy named the Player of the Tournament. He showcased great form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well, scoring at a strike rate over 120 while averaging 49.
| Anukul Roy 2025-26 Domestic Season | Stats |
|---|---|
| SMAT runs | 300+ |
| SMAT strike rate | 160 |
| SMAT award | Player of the Tournament |
| Vijay Hazare strike rate | 120+ |
| Vijay Hazare average | 49 |
| Team achievement | Jharkhand champions |
“When Saurabh bhaiya came as secretary, a lot of things changed. Whoever had to get certain positions got them. A lot of things were good, and we also won. My domestic season also went well personally,” he says.
The Dhoni Influence
Even as he worked through the domestic grind, the bigger picture was never out of sight. A conversation with MS Dhoni stayed with him through the season.
“This year I spoke to Dhoni bhaiya also. He said that the more I did well and performed in domestic cricket, the more visible I’d be and there would be chances in the IPL,” Roy recalls. “I’ve kept this in my head throughout this year.”
That advice proved prophetic. His performances haven’t just caught attention—they’ve strengthened his case for a regular IPL spot at a time when Kolkata Knight Riders need someone exactly like him.
The IPL Education
If the performances have strengthened his case, the years spent within IPL setups have quietly shaped his game. From learning how to navigate different match situations as a batter to understanding the nuances of bowling in the Powerplay, Roy’s education has been constant even when opportunities weren’t.
“A lot of small things,” he says on the learnings he had from the IPL. “Like how to bowl in the Powerplay, how to deal with left-right combinations… or if I have to bat early, how to approach that situation. I’ve learnt a lot of things like that here and implemented them in domestic cricket, and it worked out.”
That adaptability could prove crucial at a franchise like KKR, who are grappling with injury concerns. That could eventually prove to be a blessing in disguise for the 27-year-old’s chances, as the side needs someone who can contribute with both bat and ball, especially in Harshit Rana’s absence.
Understanding the Competition
Roy is realistic about his path into the KKR XI. He understands the hierarchy and what he needs to do to break through.
“The thing is, there are two spinners (Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine) from before, so they will get preference,” he admits. “How I become the third, with my batting and bowling… my chances will be high. I’ve focused on all this. I’ve seen over the years that just bowling won’t be enough. I need to score with the bat as well.”
| KKR Spin Options | Role |
|---|---|
| Varun Chakaravarthy | First-choice spinner |
| Sunil Narine | First-choice spinner |
| Anukul Roy | Third spinner + batting allrounder |
| Need | Someone who contributes with bat and ball |
That means keeping his place in the XI will require him to deliver in more than just one skill. It’s a challenge Roy has prepared for through his domestic performances and the tactical education he’s received from his IPL teammates.
Learning From the Best
In all these years with KKR and MI previously, Roy also had a lot to learn from his teammates, especially on the bowling front. Conversations with the likes of Narine, Chakaravarthy, and Krunal Pandya have added layers to both his bowling and tactical awareness.
“I’ve learnt from Varun bhai about backspin,” he says. “With Narine, I learnt how to get the arm ball to swing well. With Krunal, I spoke about the yorker. He bowls a really good yorker, so he told me about that. So I learnt from him about when to hold the cross seam and when to bowl a yorker with the seam.”
“Like for batters who have trouble with the ball on their feet, bowl a yorker with the seam so if it swings and goes to their feet, it’ll be tough for them to hit. I’ve got to learn something from everyone I’ve spoken to.“
| Learning From Teammates | Skill Acquired |
|---|---|
| Varun Chakaravarthy | Backspin techniques |
| Sunil Narine | Arm ball swing |
| Krunal Pandya | Yorker execution (cross seam vs seam) |
| Overall impact | Tactical bowling awareness |
These aren’t just casual conversations—they’re the building blocks of a complete all-rounder. Roy has absorbed tactical nuances that only come from being around the best in the business, even if he wasn’t getting game time himself.
The Perfect Storm
Several factors have aligned to give Roy his best chance yet:
His Performances: Over 300 runs at a strike rate of 160 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Player of the Tournament honors, and consistency across both SMAT and Vijay Hazare Trophy.
KKR’s Needs: With injury concerns, particularly Harshit Rana’s absence, KKR need a genuine all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
His Development: Seven years of learning from the best spinners in the IPL—Narine, Chakaravarthy, and Krunal Pandya—have equipped him with tactical knowledge he’s now implementing.
Batting Evolution: Moving up the order domestically has allowed him to play 30-35 balls instead of 10-12, maximizing his impact potential.
Mental Clarity: Understanding that bowling alone won’t be enough, and focusing on becoming a genuine all-rounder.
The 27-Year-Old Breakthrough
At 27, Roy is no longer the young prospect learning the ropes, nor is he the fringe player content with being part of the setup. He’s a mature cricketer who has paid his dues, learned from the best, and delivered when given the opportunity at domestic level.
“I’ve been waiting for years to do this,” Roy says.
The pieces, slowly but surely, seem to have fallen into place. His domestic performances have been consistent rather than sporadic. His role clarity—batting higher, contributing with both skills—has been established. His tactical education from IPL teammates has been absorbed and implemented. And KKR’s injury situation has created an opening.
The Path Forward
Whether that translates into performances at the IPL level remains to be seen. But for perhaps the first time in his IPL journey, Anukul Roy isn’t just waiting for an opportunity—he has given himself a genuine shot at claiming it.
The sidelines have been his home for seven seasons. But the spotlight, it seems, is finally within reach. What he does when it shines on him will define whether this is just another false dawn or the genuine breakthrough a patient cricketer deserves.
His strike rate of 160 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy shows he can accelerate. His Player of the Tournament award shows he can deliver when it matters. His conversations with Dhoni, Narine, Chakaravarthy, and Krunal show he’s been learning even when not playing. His understanding that he needs to contribute with both bat and ball shows he knows what’s required.
For KKR, Roy represents a potential solution to their all-rounder puzzle. For Roy himself, this represents the culmination of seven years of waiting, learning, and preparing. The domestic season was the statement. The IPL stage awaits the proof.
After 12 games in seven seasons, Anukul Roy’s moment finally beckons. The question is no longer whether he’ll get a chance—it’s what he’ll do with it.
Read More: Composed, Clinical, Connolly: A Debut to Remember
FAQs
How many IPL games has Anukul Roy played?
Anukul Roy has played just 12 games across seven IPL editions with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders.
What were Anukul Roy’s stats in the 2025-26 domestic season?
Roy scored 300+ runs at a strike rate of 160 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, won Player of the Tournament, and averaged 49 at a strike rate over 120 in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
What did MS Dhoni tell Anukul Roy?
Dhoni advised Roy that the more he performed in domestic cricket, the more visible he’d be and there would be chances in the IPL. Roy kept this in mind throughout the season.
Which bowlers has Anukul Roy learned from?
Roy learned backspin from Varun Chakaravarthy, arm ball swing from Sunil Narine, and yorker execution (cross seam vs seam) from Krunal Pandya.
Why does Anukul Roy think he has a chance at KKR now?
Roy understands he needs to contribute with both bat and ball to become the third spinner behind Chakaravarthy and Narine. KKR’s injury concerns, particularly Harshit Rana’s absence, create opportunities for genuine all-rounders.
