Vidarbha’s Praful Hinge was confident ahead of his Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 debut, some would say borderline overconfident. Hinge was set to undergo baptism by fire against Rajasthan Royals (RR) top-order, especially Vaibhav Sooryavanshi whose ball-striking capabilities had stunned a few veteran pacers. But, Hinge had his eyes set on making a statement, dismissing Sooryavanshi first ball and he succeeding in doing so. SRH bowling coach Varun Aaron revealed that Hinge had told him that he would get out Sooryavanshi again.
“At the end of the day, all credit goes to Praful. He had the conviction to get Vaibhav out. He said, ‘I’ve gotten Vaibhav out before, I’m going to get him out today. But the plan was his, the conviction was his, and I’m really happy for him,” Aaron revealed in the post-match press conference.
ALSO READ: Riyan Parag explains why he didn't let Ravindra Jadeja bowl a single over vs SRH
Aaron’s strategy works for Hinge
However, Hinge had a different plan against Sooryavanshi. Bowling coach Aaron convinced the pacer to stick with the plan he made for him against the menacing 15-year-old.
“The conversation was that he wanted to go around the wicket, and I was like, ‘No, you just stay over the wicket. I’m sure you’ll get him out,” revealed the former India pacer.
ALSO READ: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi likely to become youngest Indian to make international debut on this tour
Hinge on prized Sooryavanshi wicket
Hinge ended up dismissing not just Sooryavanshi but Dhruv Jurel and Lhuan-dre Pretorius as well, scripting IPL history by taking three wickets in the first over. Later, he got rid of skipper Riyan Parag as RR lost half the side for just nine runs in three overs. But, the Vidarbha pacer picked Sooryavanshi’s wicket as his favourite and thanked Aaron for helping him.
“The best one was the first wicket of Sooryavanshi, because he was in form. I had already told a couple of people that I would get him out on the very first ball, either with a bouncer or in some way. I just wanted his wicket on the first ball. That was the plan. Also, our bowling coach Varun bhai helped me a lot. And I’m thankful to everyone who supported me,” Hinge said in the post-match presentation.
From four overs, Hinge conceded 34 runs. He was named 'Player of the match' for his sensational first over as SRH won by 57 runs, ending RR's winning streak in the season.