In a standout performance, Sunrisers Hyderabad fast bowler Praful Hinge made an impressive debut in the Indian Premier League. He claimed four wickets against Rajasthan Royals, disrupting their pursuit of 217 runs at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Hinge removed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel, debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, and captain Riyan Parag, finishing with figures of 4-0-34-4.
About two and a half years earlier, Hinge faced a severe back injury that jeopardized his career. Support from Sunrisers Hyderabad bowling coach Varun Aaron and Australian cricket legend Glenn McGrath proved crucial in his recovery. Aaron, who has experienced injuries himself, guided Hinge through rehabilitation.
Hinge’s father, Prakash, described Aaron as a vital figure in his son’s comeback, noting that the family feared the end of Praful’s cricket journey after the stress fracture. Following recovery, McGrath, as coaching director at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai, arranged for Hinge to train in Australia at Cricket Australia’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane for three weeks, with all expenses covered.
Former Vidarbha coach Ranjit Paradkar highlighted Hinge’s natural ability and the importance of opportunities. He credited Aaron for technical adjustments to Hinge’s bowling technique, which improved his performance post-injury. Paradkar also noted that Hinge now plays alongside his former under-16 captain, Harsh Dubey, in the same team.
Prakash Hinge praised his son’s determination, recalling how Praful’s passion for cricket led him from street games to professional academies, despite the family’s emphasis on education. Now retired from the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, Prakash expressed pride in his son’s achievements.
