Sunrisers Hyderabad speedster Praful Hinge says yorkers are his most trusted weapon and insists he has spent a great deal of time honing that skill. The 24-year-old also credited encouragement from India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, saying it gave him a major confidence boost ahead of his early IPL outing. Hinge impressed in his debut as he dismantled a strong Rajasthan Royals batting order on Monday, finishing with figures of 4/34 and helping set up a dominant 57-run win.
The right-arm pacer from Vidarbha was in control from his first spell, troubling RR with consistent length and pace before delivering the breakthrough that changed the match. In that opening phase, he produced the first instance in the IPL of a bowler taking three wickets in the very first over of an innings.
Recalling his mindset while facing Pandya, Hinge said he felt anxious at the start because everyone is aware of Hardik’s threat level and what the hitter can do once set. He explained that once the first ball was delivered, the nerves eased and he reminded himself to bowl his best delivery every time. According to Hinge, yorkers remain his go-to option and he has practised them the most, adding that he even mixed in a few short balls during the contest. He also described a moment after a single was taken, when Pandya came up to him and praised his work, saying “Praful bhai, well bowled,” which he said provided a significant lift.
Hinge further shared that after the game he met Pandya again, and the senior India player urged him to keep going. He said Pandya told him, “You’re doing well, just keep at it. I will see you in the IPL,” and Hinge added that those words stayed with him.
The pacer also opened up about the rehabilitation behind his rise, crediting MRF Pace Academy physio Naveen Babu for spotting a serious issue and guiding him through recovery. Hinge said he had been receiving calls from the academy for about two years but did not attend, and the year he finally went he was already dealing with an injury. He recalled that Naveen Babu examined him and identified a stress fracture in his back.
Hinge said the physio focused heavily on his return to fitness, noting that the seven to eight months were difficult and that he had to miss a season before making his comeback. He added that during the U-23 cycle he picked up around 27 to 28 wickets, and afterward he was also part of the Emerging India programme.
Hinge said hard work at the academy helped open doors beyond domestic cricket, including the chance to meet Australian pacers Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson. He explained that when he went to MRF in his first year, he learned two players are sent to Australia each year. In the following year, he said he was determined to secure that opportunity and performed well in domestic cricket to try to earn the spot.
Reflecting on the experience of bowling in Australia, Hinge described it as special and said he is a big fan of Hazlewood, making the meeting particularly memorable. He added that he also met Jhye Richardson, and used the time to ask about fitness and how to manage during a season, including training routines and diet. Hinge said the entire interaction became a major learning curve.
Asked about preparation for this IPL, Hinge said he did not change anything in a special way, but laid out how he approaches matches mentally. He explained that whenever he watches games, he constantly asks himself what he would do in a similar situation—how he would bowl—so even in a high-pressure scenario like a World Cup match, he visualises bowling to the opposition’s best batter and thinks through his plan.
Hinge said that thought process keeps him focused on being in match situations and gives him a clear priority. He said his first goal is always to win and lift the trophy. His second aim, if opportunities come, is to help his team win as many games as possible and give “100 per cent.”
Beyond results, Hinge also expressed personal targets, saying he would love to take one of the best catches in the IPL and work toward the best fielder award.
