Dream debuts: Praful Hinge achieves massive IPL-first; Sakib Hussain the latest gem out of Bihar talent factory
Apr 13, 2026
The Sanskrit words carved on a shiny, golden IPL trophy, kept at a podium in its full glory, say 'Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi'. This translates to 'Where talent meets opportunity'. Domestic and India pace veterans Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat were not in the playing XI despite their wealth of IPL experience after question marks over the team's bowling performances. Harshal and Unadkat's loss of game time was a gain for two right-armers, Praful, hailing from Vidarbha and the 21-year-old Sakib from Bihar. The phrase written on the prestigious trophy once again flashed in the eyes of billions who have spent almost two decades associated with this tournament as players, fans or other stakeholders.