Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Image credit: BCCI) NEW DELHI: Smart set-up and a bit of previous knowledge helped young pacer Praful Hinge make an instant impact in the Indian Premier League 2026 as he announced a dream trip for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals.The 24-year-old struck early, dismissing teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with his second ball and picking several wickets in a fiery opening spell. But there was a clear plan behind that breakthrough, tweaked at the last minute by tweaks from the coaching staff.
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IPL 2026: RR assistant coach Vikram Rathour speaks after loss to KKR“I played an Under-23 match against him and I got him there with a bouncer. So I thought if I bowled a bouncer he would look to go after me like he does with every bowler at the moment. I wanted to test him again with a bouncer. He tried to hit it but he didn’t time it,” Praful Hinge said at the JioStar Press Room.“We talked about him in the meeting. First I shared my opinion, then the bowling coach added his input. I wanted to play him a ball from the wicket but he asked me to go over the wicket on one ball and I got him on that very ball. So we were both very happy.”Despite the standout debut, Hinge insists not much has changed.
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“Yes, I was planning to bowl a bouncer to get Sooryavanshi out… I didn’t know that I would take four wickets in my very first match… But I don’t feel my life has changed much after that. I am trying to stay away from social media and focus on training,” he added.Hinge also highlighted the role of senior players and team management in shaping his thinking, taking inspiration from Pat Cummins.Supported by guidance from legends like Glenn McGrath and Varun Aaron, its journey reflects steady growth and a promising future ahead.
