Hyderabad/Nagpur: In a stunning turn of events in IPL 2026, Nagpur’s own Prafull Hinge delivered a sensational debut spell, dismantling the top order of Rajasthan Royals and scripting history in his very first over.
Representing Sunrisers Hyderabad, the 24-year-old pacer made an immediate impact after being handed the new ball. In a dream start, Hinge removed Vaibhav Suryavanshi on the very first ball, sending him back for a golden duck. He then built relentless pressure, not allowing Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius to open their accounts in the same over.
Continuing his fiery spell, Hinge struck again in his second over, dismissing Rajasthan skipper Riyan Parag, leaving the opposition reeling early in the chase.
Gold Rate
May 06- 2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
With this performance, Hinge registered a remarkable milestone — the most wickets taken by a debutant in their first IPL over, instantly putting his name in the record books.
A Journey Rooted in Nagpur
Prafull Hinge’s rise to the IPL is a story of persistence and determination. Hailing from Nagpur, he began his cricket journey on local grounds and initially aspired to be a batsman. However, guided by his father, he switched to bowling — a decision that shaped his career.
His early days were not without challenges, as concerns over his bowling action created setbacks. Despite this, his dedication kept him going, and at the age of 16, he secured a place at the Vidarbha Cricket Association academy, where his skills were refined.
Hinge grabbed attention during the Under-19 trials, picking up 36 wickets, and soon progressed to represent the Vidarbha cricket team. In domestic cricket, he claimed 27 wickets in 10 First-Class matches, often sharing the new ball with experienced pacer Umesh Yadav.
From Net Bowler to IPL Star
Before making it big, Hinge spent time as a net bowler and attended trials with multiple IPL franchises. His potential was recognized during training stints involving players like Varun Aaron, which helped him gain exposure at the highest level.
In the IPL 2026 auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad secured his services at a base price of ₹30 lakh — a move that now appears to be a major success.
Match Summary
Earlier in the match, Ishan Kishan powered Sunrisers Hyderabad to a strong total of 216/6, scoring an explosive 91 off 44 balls. Rajasthan bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Tushar Deshpande, and Sandeep Sharma, chipped in with wickets, but it was Hinge’s early breakthroughs that defined the contest.
A New Star from Nagpur
Prafull Hinge’s performance is more than just a debut success — it signals the emergence of a new fast-bowling talent from Vidarbha. From local grounds in Nagpur to the grand stage of the IPL, his journey stands as an inspiration for aspiring cricketers across smaller cities.
If his debut is any indication, Nagpur may have just found its next big cricketing star.
