“From rags to riches” feels tailor-made for Praful Hinge, the Vidarbha speedster whose relentless grind has culminated in a dream IPL introduction for Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday. The young pacer may have spent much of his recent spotlight earning plaudits in domestic cricket, but it was his impact in the IPL that turned him into a name fans will remember—after a stunning four-wicket effort against Rajasthan Royals helped SRH claim a commanding 57-run win. Hinge’s momentum was so sharp that he struck early in the chase, ripping through Rajasthan’s batting order with three quick wickets during the very first over, leaving the contest effectively out of reach from the start.
Hinge’s breakthrough and the statement win
Hinge’s four-wicket haul was not just a personal milestone—it was the spark that swung the match firmly in SRH’s favour. With Rajasthan Royals reeling from early damage, Sunrisers Hyderabad converted pressure into a decisive victory, winning by 57 runs. The performance has quickly elevated Hinge from promising domestic prospect to a household figure, with cricket enthusiasts across the country now eagerly watching what he can do next.
The setbacks behind the debut
For all the headlines about a sensational IPL arrival, Hinge’s route to that moment has been anything but smooth. The fast bowler’s progress was derailed by a serious back injury, a setback described as one of the toughest phases of his journey. That difficult period tested his patience and persistence, but it also became the turning point where support and guidance helped him find his way back.
Varun Aaron’s role in the comeback
Praful Hinge’s father, Prakash Hinge, spoke about the crucial part played by Varun Aaron—an ex-India pacer who now works as a bowling coach with SRH. Prakash said Aaron stepped in at a critical time and helped Praful navigate the physical and mental strain of injury rehabilitation.
- Prakash described Varun Aaron as arriving “like an angel” in Praful’s career.
- He said that when Praful suffered a stress fracture, the family feared that his cricketing journey might be over.
- Prakash added that Aaron took him under his wing and guided him through recovery, “hand-holding” him through the dark phase.
Glenn McGrath’s training influence
Prakash also credited another major influence from within the coaching ecosystem: Glenn McGrath, the Australian legend who serves as Director of Coaching at the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai. The father revealed that McGrath played a pivotal part in shaping Praful’s development by arranging advanced training exposure in Brisbane.
- Prakash said McGrath was impressed by Praful’s line and length.
- He revealed that McGrath took Praful to Brisbane for further training.
- According to Prakash, the MRF Pace Foundation covered all expenses, meaning the family “didn’t have to pay a single penny.”
Growing up with cricket as the real calling
Hinge’s rise is also rooted in a humble background. Prakash worked with the Maharashtra State Electricity Board, while his daughter is a chartered accountant. The family placed education at the centre of their plans, but cricket was always the boy’s true obsession—so much so that local street cricket became the foundation of his love for the sport.
- Prakash said he was a government employee and his daughter is a chartered accountant.
- He stressed that, for them, education was “everything.”
- Yet he said Praful, from a very young age, was “crazy about cricket.”
- Prakash recalled that Praful spent days doing “gully cricket,” and that they were compelled to enrol him in an academy due to his passion.
- He added that once the academy doors opened, the ground effectively became Praful’s home.
With Hinge now making waves for SRH after an emphatic showing against Rajasthan, the story of perseverance—through injury, guidance, and unwavering commitment—has found its latest chapter in the IPL.
