Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) introduced a new face in their playing XI during their IPL 2026 clash against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The spotlight was on 24-year-old pacer Praful Hinge, who was handed his maiden IPL cap, replacing experienced seamer Jaydev Unadkat.
Meet Praful Hinge: SRH’s new debutant in IPL 2026
Hailing from Nagpur and representing Vidarbha in domestic cricket, Praful has steadily built his reputation through consistent performances and perseverance.
Interestingly, his journey into cricket wasn’t straightforward. His father was initially reluctant about him pursuing the sport seriously. It took a turning point at a summer camp trial to change that perception. Soon after, at the age of 16, Hinge joined the Vidarbha Cricket Association academy, where he trained under coach Sanjeev. His progress was evident early on, especially during the U-19 trials, where he picked up an impressive 36 wickets – a performance that marked him as a promising talent.
”That journey of self-improvement and discipline laid the foundation for his professional career. Over time, he refined his action, built stamina, and developed into a dependable right-arm medium-fast bowler capable of delivering under pressure.
Domestic rise, family support and IPL breakthrough
Praful’s IPL debut is backed by solid performances in domestic cricket. He made his First-Class debut for Vidarbha in October 2024 and soon followed it up with his List A debut in January 2025. In just 10 first-class matches, he has already picked up 27 wickets at an average of 26.7, including a standout five-wicket haul (5/55). His ability to maintain discipline and bowl long spells has made him a valuable asset for his state team.
He also played a key role in Vidarbha’s historic Vijay Hazare Trophy triumph, contributing with five wickets in five matches. These performances caught the attention of IPL scouts, eventually earning him a contract with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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Unlike many players who closely track the IPL auction, Praful had a more spiritual approach to the big moment. He was at a temple in Nagpur when his name came up during the bidding process. SRH secured his services at his base price of ₹30 lakh, making it a deeply emotional moment for him and his family.
Behind his success lies a strong support system, particularly his sister, a Chartered Accountant, who played a crucial role in his journey. From driving him to practice sessions to managing her own studies late into the night, her sacrifices have been instrumental in shaping his career.
Praful has also invested heavily in improving his craft. Since 2022, he has been training at the renowned MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, a hub for fast-bowling excellence. In 2024, he attended a short training camp in Brisbane, where he had the opportunity to bowl alongside international stars like Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson. Now, sharing the dressing room with Australian captain Pat Cummins at SRH is a full-circle moment for the young pacer.
As Praful takes the field in the orange jersey, his journey stands as a testament to persistence, sacrifice and belief. His debut is not just a personal milestone but also an inspiring reminder that with dedication and the right support, dreams in the IPL can indeed become reality.
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