Sunrisers Hyderabad’s emerging pace option Praful Hinge has shared details of an unforgettable first meeting with his “idol” and franchise captain, Pat Cummins. The 24-year-old fast bowler made an eye-catching start to his IPL 2026 journey, striking at key moments against the Rajasthan Royals. SRH ultimately came away with a convincing win, powered by Hinge’s four-wicket burst.
Quick facts
- Praful Hinge is a 24-year-old fast bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
- He met SRH’s designated captain Pat Cummins for the first time in camp.
- IPL debut: SRH vs Rajasthan Royals (RR).
- Bowling figures on debut: 4/34 in 4 overs, including ducks for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Druv Jurel, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius.
- He dismissed opposition captain Riyan Parag for 4, finishing with 4/34.
- Result in the debut game: SRH won by 57 runs.
- Afterwards, he played vs Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and took 1/60 in 4 overs.
- He did not appear in the playing XI against Delhi Capitals.
- Next SRH game vs RR: fans can watch from 7:30 PM onwards on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network.
Hinge described his debut as the kind of performance that changes how people talk about you overnight. Against RR’s aggressive batting unit, he picked up wickets in quick succession, beginning with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (a golden duck) and then adding Druv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, each dismissed for a duck. He also removed Riyan Parag, bringing his spell to a dominant close and leaving RR struggling to recover.
In the post-match conversation on the “JioStar Press Room,” Hinge said meeting Cummins face-to-face was a special moment. For a youngster who has studied his captain’s skills closely, it wasn’t just a handshake—it was a chance to connect with someone he has long admired. He explained that he has been following Cummins’ bowling approach and match routines, including what he does in Test cricket, ball by ball.
Hinge also recounted how he told Cummins he was a “big fan” when he first arrived at the camp. He said Cummins responded positively, encouraging him to keep working and offering support. According to Hinge, the captain promised to be around during bowling sessions to help him in training, a gesture that significantly boosted his confidence.
“When he came into the camp for the first time, I was very happy because I was seeing him live, face to face, for the first time. I told him, ‘Pat, I am your big fan.’ He responded, ‘Oh, nice, good to hear,’” Hinge said. He added that he has followed Cummins’ bowling since he began playing cricket, watched his videos, and tried to learn from his Test-match habits and overall routines.
Hinge went on to explain that Cummins encouraged him to keep the partnership going—especially during bowling. He said the captain told him that as he bowls, Cummins would be there to help, which he described as a major source of encouragement. That backing, Hinge suggested, has made the transition into IPL cricket feel smoother.
From debut surge to the next challenges
Hinge revealed that he had visualised a big wicket haul before the match, expecting around 3–4 scalps. While he didn’t anticipate the timing would be so immediate, he believes in “manifestation” and said he focused on enjoying the game rather than forcing results. Looking back, he felt grateful that his belief aligned with his debut outing.
He said he had written down that he would take 3–4 wickets in a match, but didn’t know it would arrive in his first IPL appearance itself. Hinge added that his mindset was simple—enjoy himself—and he was pleased that the performance followed. For the future, his “manifestation” is tied directly to team success: win matches, then keep raising the bar.
Hinge stressed that SRH’s goal is to dominate opponents while working through one fixture at a time. He said the trophy is the ultimate focus, but the team doesn’t look too far ahead in planning. Instead, he described a routine of preparing thoroughly, executing plans in each game, and not dwelling excessively on the end result.
After the RR match, Hinge also featured when SRH took on Chennai Super Kings. However, he couldn’t match his debut impact, recording figures of 1/60 in his four overs. He then missed the playing XI against Delhi Capitals, and it remains to be seen whether he will return to the side for SRH’s next encounter with Rajasthan Royals on Saturday.
SRH’s upcoming clash against RR is scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM. Fans can follow the action live on JioHotstar and on the Star Sports Network.
