In a stunning debut, Praful Hinge made history in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by taking three wickets in his very first over, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to a remarkable victory against Rajasthan Royals on April 13, 2026, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Hinge, a right-arm pacer from Vidarbha, dismissed key players Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill. This achievement marks him as the first IPL bowler to take three wickets in the opening over of a batting innings, a feat that has set a new benchmark in the league.
He finished his debut match with impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 34 runs, further solidifying his reputation as a promising player. Prior to this match, Hinge had played only one T20 game and had built a steady reputation in domestic cricket, having taken 27 wickets in 10 first-class matches at an average of 26.66.
Signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 30 lakh ahead of the 2026 season, Hinge’s journey to this point has not been without challenges. He trained at the MRF Pace Foundation since 2022 and has worked diligently to improve his bowling action, especially after facing back injuries.
The 15 days he spent in a training camp in Brisbane were crucial for his development, allowing him to refine his skills under expert guidance. His collaboration with former cricketer Varun Aaron has also played a significant role in his preparation for the IPL.
As the IPL season progresses, cricket enthusiasts will be keenly watching Hinge’s performance to see if he can maintain this impressive form and continue to contribute to his team’s success.
While Hinge’s debut has set high expectations, the uncertainties of maintaining such performance levels in a competitive league like the IPL remain. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his future matches and the impact of his debut on his career trajectory.
