IPL 2018: I Have Learnt a Lot From Krunal Pandya: Anukul Roy
Anukul Roy was one of the handfuls of names which made a huge impression in this year’s Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand. The left-arm spinner had played a pivotal role in India’s successful campaign. He starred with the ball as India lifted the trophy for a record fourth time.
The Bengal-based spinner picked up 14 wickets in six games came at a miserly average of 9.07. What was even more impressive that he picked up a wicket every 14 balls. His performance did not go unnoticed as Mumbai Indians snapped him in this year’s auction.
However, unlike some of his Under-19 teammates, he was not lucky enough to prove himself in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The likes of Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill, Shivam Mavi as well as Abhishek Sharma made their debuts this season and made a big impression. But Anukul did not get any chance as Indians were bowed out at the group stage.
However, it does not mean that the stint with Mumbai was not productive for the young spinner. He made full use of his time with some of the best players across the globe, learning a lot from them.
In a recent interview, he revealed how senior left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya helped him ‘learn a lot’.
“I have learnt a lot from Krunal bhai. He has taught me a lot of things about bowling — varying my pace, how to study a batsman and his weaknesses, what to bowl to which batsman and so on,” Roy told Mumbai Indians’ official website.
Roy revealed the things shaped up during his stint in the Mumbai camp.
“Even during practice matches, he kept telling me how to go about my bowling. I also made it a point to watch him bowl during the tournament. I feel good about my game. Now, I know how to approach a batsman in Twenty20 cricket. This will help me a lot as I try and establish myself as a cricketer,” he added.
Anukul Roy further praised South Africa star Jean-Paul Duminy for helping him out during the season.
“JP (Jean-Paul Duminy) bhaiya is so disciplined. He says good things. According to him, a batsman must try for singles initially. Then, the doubles and fours and sixes will automatically follow. He also taught me so many things about fielding. He said a fielder must first pick the ball. No matter how fast the ball is travelling, you have to try and pick the ball. Once you do that, you can effect direct hits and also save runs on a consistent basis,” he said.
