Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have introduced a new face in their game IPL 2026 clash with Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. The spotlight was on the 24-year-old pacer Hinge powderE, who took over his first IPL cap, replacing seasoned 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 to cricket has not been easy. At first, his father discouraged him from taking up sports seriously. A summer camp trial to change that perception was a turning point. Soon, at the age of 16, Hinge joined the Vidarbha Cricket Association academy where he trained under coach Sanjeev. His progress was evident early on, particularly during the U-19 trials, where he scored an impressive 36 goals – marking him as a promising talent.
“This journey of self-improvement and discipline laid the foundation for his professional career. Over time, he refined his action, gained stamina and became a reliable right-arm medium fast bowler who could perform under pressure.
Internal promotion, 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 made his List A debut in January 2025. In just 10 first-class matches, he has already taken 27 wickets at an average of 26.7, including a five-wicket haul (5/55). His ability to maintain discipline and win long spells has made him a valuable asset for the 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 and eventually signed him with Sunrisers Hyderabad.
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Unlike many players who follow the IPL auction closely, Praful took 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 a base price of ₹30 lakh, making it a deeply emotional moment for him and his family.
Behind his success is a strong support system, especially his Accountant Sister, who has been instrumental in his journey. From driving him to practice sessions to managing his late-night classes, 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 center of excellence in fast bowling. In 2024, he attended a short-term 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 to the field in the orange jersey, his journey stands as a testament to perseverance, dedication and faith. His debut is not only a personal milestone but also an inspiring reminder that with dedication and the right support, dreams can come true in the IPL.
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