Photo via Hindustan Times

After a flying start in IPL, Hinge yearns for the ultimate prize

Fast bowler Praful Hinge has earned a spot in the India A squad for their upcoming four-day fixtures against Australia A in Puducherry, moving closer to his ambition of playing Test cricket. The 24-year-old pacer from Nagpur has only made 10 first-class appearances to date, bypassing tournaments like the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup due to scheduling overlaps and the selectors' appreciation for his consistent length and red-ball skill.

Hinge, who began his teenage years aiming for 140 kph on his social media handle, now regularly hits speeds up to 145 kph.

His rapid rise was spurred five months ago during an unforgettable Indian Premier League debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Rajasthan Royals, where he claimed three wickets in his very first over. 3 kph.

Though the 15-year-old Sooryavanshi later struck him for a six off a misplaced short delivery in a subsequent encounter, Hinge geared up for red-ball demands with extended bowling workloads during the Vidarbha Premier League.