Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain Shine: The Odisha Academy Link Behind Their IPL Breakthrough
The standout performances of Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain in the Indian Premier League extended far beyond the action at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Nearly 1,000 kilometers away, in Bhubaneswar’s Infocity district, a group of 60–70 aspiring cricketers celebrated passionately, following the duo’s rise as if it were their own triumph.
This compelling Hyderabad–Bhubaneswar connection originates from the Rao Cricket Academy, a residential training facility located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. Both Hinge (24) and Hussain (21) underwent a crucial phase of their development at the academy under the mentorship of S.S. Rao, a former Jharkhand cricketer recognized for his expertise in fast-bowling coaching.
Their journey to this stage was significantly influenced by Varun Aaron, the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad. Aaron, who had previously worked with Rao during his domestic career with Jharkhand, identified the potential in both pacers and recommended they undergo specialized training at Rao’s academy. His decision was rooted in a structured development strategy aimed at refining their skills ahead of the IPL season.
A senior official from Sunrisers Hyderabad confirmed that Aaron’s recommendation was part of a well-defined plan tailored to the bowlers’ progression. Rao also acknowledged their stint at the academy, emphasizing the disciplined and immersive nature of the residential program.
According to Rao, Hinge and Hussain spent approximately one month at the Bhubaneswar facility between February and March, shortly after being signed in the IPL auction. During this period, they lived on campus, trained rigorously, and developed strong camaraderie with fellow trainees. Although they briefly traveled to Chennai for additional preparation, the bulk of their pre-season training was completed in Bhubaneswar.
Rao highlighted that their training focused on targeted technical and tactical enhancements, though he chose not to disclose specific methodologies. What stood out most, however, was their exceptional work ethic and competitive mindset.
He described both players as highly driven individuals whose training intensity often exceeded standard expectations—sometimes requiring careful workload management. This relentless commitment to improvement, Rao noted, distinguished them from their peers and prepared them effectively for the demands of top-level competition.
Hinge, a right-arm fast bowler from Vidarbha, and Hussain, who hails from Bihar and rose from modest beginnings, have both represented their respective states in first-class cricket. While experienced across formats, their skill sets—particularly pace, discipline, and adaptability—are especially well-suited to the fast-paced demands of T20 cricket.
Acquired at their base price of INR 30 lakh each in the IPL auction, the duo has now made an immediate and emphatic impact. Their journey—from structured training in Bhubaneswar to standout performances on one of cricket’s biggest stages—underscores the effectiveness of a well-aligned development pathway.
Conclusion
The rise of Praful Hinge and Sakib Hussain represents more than just individual success in the IPL. It highlights the growing importance of structured talent development, strategic coaching, and the role of regional academies in shaping elite athletes. Their progression from the Rao Cricket Academy to high-pressure IPL performances illustrates how preparation, opportunity, and mentorship can converge to produce immediate results at the highest level of the sport.