Praful Hinge eyes Test cricket after India A call-up

Praful Hinge, the 24-year-old fast bowler from Nagpur, has been selected for India A’s upcoming four-day series against Australia A in Puducherry.

The selection comes with only 10 first-class matches behind him, making it a notable step forward for the Vidarbha pacer who bypassed the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup routes to reach this level. His ability to hit good lengths consistently has been a key factor in selectors identifying his red-ball potential, and a standout IPL performance five months ago brought him firmly into the national reckoning.

“This is the day I had worked hard for – to play for India. I enjoy playing red-ball cricket particularly and want to represent India in Test cricket one day,” Hinge told Hindustan Times in an exclusive interview.

How did Hinge’s IPL performance shape his India A selection?

Hinge’s IPL outing, played in front of a packed home crowd, was the moment that accelerated his rise. The performance drew widespread attention and placed him on the selectors’ radar ahead of the India A assignment. Hinge picked up four wickets on his IPL debut, which included the prized scalp of the prodigious Vaibhav Sooryavanshi off his first ball. Hinge also spoke about the value of learning from experienced figures during his time in the IPL environment.

“I couldn’t believe what happened to me. Whatever happened, I enjoyed it a lot, my family members and coaches enjoyed it even more,” Hinge said.

“I learned about preparations and recovery. I asked him about his seam position too. [Glenn] McGrath Sir told me to focus on bowling the right lines. To mostly stick with the stock ball. To try and draw the batter towards your plans,” Hinge added.

What does the India A call-up mean for Hinge’s long-term ambitions?

The four-day format is where Hinge has expressed his strongest desire to make a mark. The India A series against Australia A in Puducherry gives him a structured platform to demonstrate his red-ball credentials at a competitive level ahead of any future Test consideration. Hinge has spoken openly about the inspiration he draws from fellow Vidarbha pacer Umesh Yadav.

“I always got inspired watching Umesh Yadav, the struggle he had to go through before playing for India. Like Umesh Yadav, I want to make Vidarbha famous by playing for India,” Hinge said.