
Young pacer Praful Hinge announced himself in style during his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026, delivering a match-defining performance against Rajasthan Royals.
Playing at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hinge rattled the opposition’s top order with a sensational spell, dismissing Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius—all for ducks. His fiery start left Rajasthan Royals in deep trouble and instantly put him in the spotlight.
For Hinge’s family watching from home, the debut was more than just a cricketing milestone—it was the culmination of years of sacrifice and belief.
His father summed up the overwhelming emotion, saying, "The feeling cannot be described in words. I would like to thank Sunrisers Hyderabad and bowling coach Varun Aaron. I think he will perform like this only in every match. Taking the wicket of Vaibhav Suryavanshi was a big thing."
The statement reflects both pride and relief, as the family saw years of hard work finally translate into success on one of cricket’s biggest stages.
Hinge’s journey began at the age of 13 when he convinced his father to support his cricketing ambitions. From playing on local grounds to reaching the IPL, his rise has been steady and driven by dedication.
Before the IPL, he had already built a strong domestic foundation. A key highlight was his stint in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League, where he played for the Neco Master Blaster team and contributed to their championship win. These performances helped him get noticed ahead of the IPL auction.
10 Apr 2026 - Vol 04 | Issue 66
And the price of surviving it
Domestic cricket proved to be the launchpad for Hinge’s career. His performances in the Vidarbha Pro T20 League showcased his ability to deliver under pressure.
Anand Jayaswal, owner of Neco Master Blaster, acknowledged his growth and success, expressing pride in seeing him perform at the highest level and wishing him continued success in the tournament.
Sunrisers Hyderabad picked Hinge for Rs 30 lakh in the IPL 2026 auction, and his debut performance suggests that the franchise’s faith was well placed.
Known for his hit-the-deck bowling and disciplined approach, Hinge demonstrated composure and impact from the very first game, hinting at a promising future in the league.
(With inputs from ANI)