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. 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."

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."

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, as he 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. "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.

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."