Hyderabad: Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Praful Hinge has revealed that his stunning IPL debut was not just about skill, but also belief, planning and what he describes as the “power of manifestation”.
The young Vidarbha bowler delivered a dream performance in his first IPL appearance, picking up 4/34 against Rajasthan Royals and scripting history with a three-wicket burst in the opening over.
Historic debut built on belief
Hinge’s performance has already entered IPL record books. He became the first bowler in the tournament’s 19-year history to claim three wickets in the very first over of a match.
His spell of 2-0-6-4 dismantled Rajasthan Royals’ top order and laid the foundation for a dominant 57-run victory for Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Speaking after the match, Hinge credited his mindset and preparation for the extraordinary outing.
“I had written this somewhere—that I will take four to five wickets on my debut. I thought of dominating the powerplay. I believe in it,” he said.
Planned dismissal of Sooryavanshi
One of the most talked-about moments of the match was Hinge dismissing in-form youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for a golden duck.
The bowler revealed that the wicket was not accidental but part of a pre-match plan.
“Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s wicket was the best. He is in form. I had told a few people that I would bowl a bouncer to him and get him out on the first ball,” Hinge said.
He added that the strategy was developed with guidance from SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron.
“Varun Aaron helped me plan it, so thank you,” he acknowledged.
The execution was flawless, as Sooryavanshi attempted an aggressive shot but ended up giving a catch, marking a rare failure in an otherwise stellar season.
Early triple strike shocks RR
Hinge’s opening over turned the game on its head. After dismissing Sooryavanshi, he went on to remove Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius in quick succession.
Rajasthan Royals were left reeling at 1/3 after the first over, effectively ending their hopes of chasing down the 217-run target.
The early collapse proved decisive, as RR never fully recovered despite a later fightback.
Journey from humble beginnings
Hinge also reflected on his journey into cricket, revealing how his passion began at a young age.
“At the age of 13, I started playing cricket. I didn’t know what leather-ball cricket was. I asked my father to enrol me in a club, but he said I was too young. Then he just took me there, and I kept playing after that,” he shared.
He dedicated his performance and award to his family, acknowledging their role in his growth.
Support from fellow debutant
Hinge’s effort was complemented by an impressive spell from fellow debutant Sakib Hussain, who also picked up four wickets.
Hussain credited his preparation and coaching support for his performance.
“Every player hopes for a debut like this, so it feels really good. I am very happy. The coach informed me a day before the game that I would be playing, and from then my focus was on performing well,” he said.
He also praised Varun Aaron’s mentorship, stating that his improvement over the years was largely due to the coach’s guidance.
Match impact and result
The early damage inflicted by Hinge and Hussain ensured that Rajasthan Royals were bowled out for 159 while chasing 217.
The victory marked Sunrisers Hyderabad’s second win of the season and handed Rajasthan Royals their first defeat, although RR remain at the top of the points table.
Conclusion
Praful Hinge’s debut was a perfect blend of preparation, confidence and execution. His belief in manifestation, combined with clear planning and support from his coaching staff, resulted in one of the most memorable debuts in IPL history.
As IPL 2026 progresses, Hinge’s performance not only highlights his potential but also serves as an inspiring example of how mindset and preparation can translate into success on the biggest stage.