Praful Hinge: The Rising Star of IPL 2026

Who is Praful Hinge?

New Delhi: The question "Who is Praful Hinge?" quickly trended after the 24-year-old pacer from Vidarbha made headlines by dismantling the Rajasthan Royals’ top order during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s IPL 2026 clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.

An Impressive IPL Debut

Praful Hinge made an explosive debut, taking three wickets in a single over—Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius—all dismissed for ducks. This performance not only put the Rajasthan Royals in a precarious position but also showcased Hinge’s potential as a leading bowler in the tournament.

A Masterstroke for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Handing Hinge his IPL debut proved to be a brilliant move for Sunrisers Hyderabad. Acquired for Rs 30 lakh during the IPL 2026 auction, he came with a strong reputation from domestic cricket. In just 10 first-class matches, Hinge claimed 27 wickets at an impressive average of 26.7, demonstrating his ability to sustain disciplined spells over longer formats.

Rising Through the Ranks

Though relatively new to T20 cricket, Hinge had impressed in his limited appearances, including demonstrating his skills alongside seasoned bowler Umesh Yadav.

Praful the Destroyer: How Hinge Took His Wickets

Hinge’s first over was nothing short of spectacular, as he reduced Rajasthan Royals to 1/3:

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Duck)

Hinge bowled a hard-length delivery that rose slightly. Sooryavanshi attempted a pull shot but mistimed it, resulting in a straightforward catch for the wicketkeeper.

2. Dhruv Jurel (Duck)

Following his first wicket, Hinge sent another delivery outside off stump. Jurel attempted to defend but was deceived as the ball swung in, leading to an inside edge that crashed into the stumps.

3. Lhuan-dre Pretorius (Duck)

For his third wicket, Hinge delivered a fuller ball that swung away. Pretorius aimed a flick but couldn’t keep it down, leading to a comfortable catch for a fielder in the deep.

Making a Statement on IPL’s Big Stage

In just one over, Praful Hinge made a grand entrance onto the IPL stage, signaling his emergence as a key player to watch in this year’s tournament. His performances have certainly set the stage for what’s to come from this promising talent in the world of cricket.