Indian seamer Praful Hinge made a significant impact during his recent Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad, swiftly claiming three wickets in his opening over. The uncapped bowler concluded with remarkable figures of 4-34, sparking widespread interest in his background and rapid rise.
Following his stellar performance, Hinge publicly acknowledged the crucial role of the MRF Pace Foundation in Chennai for his recovery from a back stress injury. “I want to thank MRF for taking really good care of me,” Praful stated, highlighting the foundation's support.
Glenn McGrath's Influence on Fast Bowling Technique
At the renowned MRF Pace Foundation, the 24-year-old from Nagpur had the invaluable opportunity to work closely with legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath, who serves as the director of coaching. McGrath, celebrated for his impeccable accuracy and consistent line and length, imparted critical lessons that Hinge has clearly absorbed, evident in his ability to swing the new ball at pace while maintaining tight control.
M Senthilnathan, the chief coach at the Pace Foundation, explained Hinge's development journey. “What we and Glenn saw in him is that he’s got a pretty solid length with the new ball. He gets some deviation and he allows the balls to move,” Senthilnathan told reporters. Hinge was initially selected by the foundation in 2023, arriving with persistent back issues.
Addressing Fitness and Technical Flaws
The coaching staff at MRF Pace Foundation focused comprehensively on Hinge's fitness, implementing rehabilitation programs to strengthen his back. Crucially, they also identified and corrected a fundamental technical flaw in his bowling action that was contributing to his injury. “It was because he had a technical flaw, so we fine-tuned it,” Senthilnathan confirmed.
This holistic approach yielded significant results. After his time at the foundation, Hinge excelled in the Under-23 season that year, and by 2024, his improved performance led to his selection for the Ranji Trophy, where he now stands as a frontline bowler for Vidarbha. Senthilnathan emphasized McGrath’s instrumental role in helping Hinge grasp the importance of bowling in the right areas and effectively managing pressure during high-stakes matches.