IPL 2026: SRH vs RR- In what stands as the most sensational introduction to the Indian Premier League in the tournament's history, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) debutant Praful Hinge has single-handedly dismantled the Rajasthan Royals' top order.
Stepping onto the turf of the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium as a relatively unknown quantity from Nagpur, the 24-year-old pacer has instantly secured an all-time IPL record after an opening over that defied every statistical probability.
A Historic Triple Strike on Debut
Defending a daunting total of 216, SRH captain Ishan Kishan handed the new ball to Hinge. What followed was a masterclass in raw pace and nerves of steel.
On his second delivery, Hinge produced a searing hard-length ball that rushed the Orange Cap holder Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who top-edged a pull straight to wicketkeeper Salil Arora for a golden duck.
The stadium erupted, but the Vidarbha workhorse was just getting started. Two balls later, he delivered a sharp length ball to Dhruv Jurel; a thick inside edge crashed into the off-stump, sending the Rajasthan fans into stunned silence.
The Record-Breaking Moment
The crowning moment arrived on the final ball of the over. Facing fellow debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Hinge delivered a full, swinging ball that the South African flicked straight to Nitish Kumar Reddy at deep backward square-leg.
In just six balls, the right-arm seamer claimed three wickets for zero runs (conceding only a single run to Yashasvi Jaiswal on the first ball).
With this feat, Praful Hinge has become the first bowler in IPL history to take three wickets in the opening over of an innings on debut. It is also the most successful opening over by any bowler in the history of the league in terms of wickets taken.
From Nagpur to the Record Books
Praful Prakash Hinge's journey to this historic night is one of relentless domestic grind. Born on January 18, 2002, in Nagpur, he became a pillar of the Vidarbha pace attack, playing a crucial role in their Ranji Trophy (2024-25) campaign.
In 10 first-class matches, Hinge claimed 27 wickets at an impressive average of 26.66.
His raw speed, often clocking 145kmph, caught the attention of SRH scouts after he honed his skills at the MRF Pace Foundation.
Snapped up for INR 30 Lakh, Hinge has now secured his place in IPL lore. As the Royals reel at 1/3 after the first over, the "Vidarbha Express" has single-handedly turned the match in favour of the Orange Army.
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Author : Prateek Thakur