Full Name: Praful Hinge
Nickname: Praful
Date of Birth: 18 January 2002
Age: 24 Years (as of 2026)
Birthplace: Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
Hometown: Nagpur, Maharashtra
Profession: Professional Cricketer (Bowler)
Years Active: 2024 – Present
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hindu
Caste: Not Publicly Known
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Height: 5’10” (Approx.)
Weight: 72 kg (Approx.)
Eye Color: Black
Hair Color: Black
Body Measurements: 40-32-14 (Approx.)
Food Habit: Non-Vegetarian
Hobbies: Gym, Traveling, Music
Bowling Style: Right-arm medium-fast
Batting Style: Right-handed
Father’s Name: Not Publicly Known
Mother’s Name: Not Publicly Known
Siblings: One Sister (Chartered Accountant)
Marital Status: Unmarried
Spouse: N/A
Affairs / Relationships: None (Focused on Career)
Instagram ID: @prafulhinge_ (Official)
Twitter (X): @prafulhinge
Facebook: Praful Hinge Official
Introduction
Praful Hinge is a rising star in Indian cricket, currently making waves as a potent right-arm medium-fast bowler for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL and Vidarbha in domestic cricket. Known for his disciplined line and length, Hinge has quickly transitioned from a hardworking domestic workhorse to a record-breaking IPL debutant. His recent performance in the 2026 IPL season has cemented his reputation as one of the most exciting young pace prospects in the country.
Early Life & Childhood
Born on January 18, 2002, in Nagpur, Maharashtra, Praful Hinge's journey began with a passion for the game at a very young age. From the age of 13, he was deeply committed to his craft, often pedaling long distances on his bicycle to attend practice sessions. This early discipline was the foundation of his career. Despite the financial and logistical hurdles of a middle-class upbringing, his family remained his pillar of strength. A significant part of his motivation came from his sister, a Chartered Accountant, who would balance her own rigorous studies to support his cricket, often accompanying him to nets and ensuring he stayed focused on his goals.
Education Qualification
Praful attended local schools in Nagpur where he balanced his academics with his growing cricket commitments. While he was occasionally late for school due to early morning training, his academic environment helped him develop the mental toughness required for professional sports. He later focused heavily on his cricket training at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Academy, which served as his primary "education" in the sport under the guidance of seasoned coaches.
Career Journey: From Vidarbha to IPL
Hinge’s professional ascent began at 16 when he joined the VCA Academy. He first gained serious attention during the U-19 trials where he dominated by taking 36 wickets. Although the COVID-19 pandemic momentarily stalled his progress, it only intensified his drive. He moved up to the U-23 level and eventually earned a spot at the prestigious MRF Pace Foundation. This experience gave him a "reality check" regarding the technical improvements needed to survive at the highest level. ``` He made his First-Class debut for Vidarbha in 2024, quickly establishing himself as a reliable "workhorse" bowler. Across 10 first-class matches, he claimed 27 wickets at an impressive average of 26.67. His ability to bowl long spells with consistent pace caught the eyes of IPL scouts. ```
Breakthrough Moment: A Historic IPL Debut
April 13, 2026, will forever be etched in IPL history as the day of Praful Hinge. After being named in the XI but not getting to play in a previous game against Punjab Kings, he finally made his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals. ``` In a sensational opening over, Hinge became the first bowler in IPL history to take 3 wickets in the very first over of an innings. He dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi on the first ball, followed by Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, leaving the opposition reeling at 1/3. This performance instantly turned him into a national sensation. ```
Major Teams & Domestic Success
Praful has been an integral part of several key squads:
- Vidarbha Cricket Team: Represented in Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, and Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): His current IPL franchise where he plays under the leadership of Ishan Kishan and Pat Cummins.
- NECO Master Blaster: A team he represents in regional tournaments, further honing his T20 skills.
- VCA Orange: Featured in the VCA T20 league, where he consistently finished among the top wicket-takers.
Awards & Achievements
Despite being early in his career, Praful has already achieved milestones that many veteran bowlers dream of:
- World Record: First bowler to take a 3-wicket haul in the 1st over of an IPL match.
- U-19 Standout: Leading wicket-taker for Vidarbha in the U-19 trials with 36 scalps.
- First Class Reliability: Secured 27 wickets in his first 10 First-Class appearances.
Income, Fees & Net Worth
Praful Hinge was signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for the TATA IPL 2026 season at a base price of INR 30 Lakh. Apart from his IPL contract, he earns through BCCI domestic match fees for Ranji and Vijay Hazare matches, which typically range from ₹40,000 to ₹60,000 per day. His estimated net worth as of 2026 is approximately ₹50 Lakh to ₹1 Crore, expected to grow rapidly with upcoming brand endorsements and future IPL contracts.
Lifestyle, Assets & Cars
Praful maintains a very grounded and disciplined lifestyle typical of a professional athlete. He spends most of his time at the VCA stadium or the gym. Currently, he resides with his family in Nagpur. While he hasn't flaunted a massive car collection yet, he is often seen commuting in a mid-range SUV suited for his training travels. His focus remains on longevity in the sport rather than luxury.
Lesser Known Facts
- Praful used to cycle kilometers every day for practice because he didn't want to burden his family for transport.
- His sister's academic discipline as a CA student inspired him to apply the same focus to his bowling.
- He was almost a "missed debut" when he was named in the toss for one game but didn't actually take the field until the next match.
- He credits the MRF Pace Foundation for giving him the technical "reality check" that improved his pace.
- He is an avid reader of sports biographies to understand the mental side of the game.
Public Image & Fan Following
Following his historic IPL debut, Praful's social media following saw a massive surge. He is viewed as a humble, hardworking "small-town boy" who made it big through sheer persistence. His fans in Nagpur and Vidarbha see him as the next big pace hope after Umesh Yadav. His calm demeanor on the field and aggressive bowling style have made him a favorite among the SRH "Orange Army."
Upcoming Projects & Future Goals
Praful’s primary goal is to represent the Indian National Team in all three formats. With his strong foundation in red-ball cricket (Ranji Trophy) and his recent T20 explosion, he is on the radar of national selectors. He aims to lead the Vidarbha bowling attack to a Ranji Trophy title and establish himself as a permanent fixture in the SRH starting XI.
Praful Hinge FAQs: People Also Ask
1. Who is Praful Hinge? Praful Hinge is an Indian professional cricketer from Nagpur who plays as a right-arm medium-fast bowler for Vidarbha and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
```2. What record did Praful Hinge set in the IPL?
He became the first bowler in IPL history to take three wickets in the very first over of a match during his debut against Rajasthan Royals in 2026.
3. Which IPL team does Praful Hinge play for?
He currently plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He was bought by the franchise for INR 30 Lakh in the 2026 auction.
4. Where is Praful Hinge from?
He was born and raised in Nagpur, Maharashtra. He represents the Vidarbha Cricket Association in domestic tournaments.
5. What is Praful Hinge's bowling style?
He is a right-arm medium-fast bowler known for his ability to swing the new ball and maintain high accuracy at a brisk pace.
6. How old is Praful Hinge?
As of 2026, Praful Hinge is 24 years old. He was born on January 18, 2002.
7. Who inspired Praful Hinge's cricket career?
His sister, a Chartered Accountant, significantly inspired him through her academic discipline and support during his early training days.
Disclaimer: This biography of Praful Hinge is compiled based on recent news reports, IPL match data, and public sports profiles. Career statistics are subject to change as the season progresses.