Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting has revealed that he’s receiving over 150 messages a day from Indian fans urging him to return to the IPL as a replacement player — all with a common mission: to stop Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) from winning their maiden IPL title.
Cutting, who was instrumental in SunRisers Hyderabad’s 2016 title win, has become a cult hero among fans — especially those who continue to poke fun at RCB’s elusive chase for a trophy. In that final, Cutting delivered a match-winning performance, smashing 39 off 15 balls and taking two crucial wickets, including that of Chris Gayle.
Cutting Remembers 2016 as the Highlight of His Career
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Cutting reflected on the 2016 IPL final with fondness, saying the moment still ranks above everything else in his cricket career, even his time playing for Australia.
“To play for Australia was always a lifetime goal of mine… But that IPL final still ranks higher than everything else,” he said.
He admitted that as RCB continues to go title-less, the significance of that night has grown with each passing year, especially on social media.
“This year, social media has blown up far more. The longer RCB don’t win, the more important that night becomes for the Hyderabadis,” he added.
Cutting’s Epic Final and Respect for Shane Watson
Cutting also revisited the iconic moment from the 2016 final where he smashed a 117m six off Shane Watson in the final over, helping SRH post a daunting 208 total. Though he relished the moment, Cutting confessed to feeling a bit guilty about doing it against one of his cricketing heroes.
“I love the bloke. He was a hero of mine. I still feel guilty seeing it unfold like that against Watto,” he admitted.
RCB’s Playoff Push in IPL 2025
Now captained by Rajat Patidar, RCB has already secured a playoff spot and sits second on the points table. Their next challenge? None other than SunRisers Hyderabad, the team that haunted them in 2016. The two sides will meet on Friday at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.
With the stakes rising and fan anticipation peaking, whether RCB can finally break the jinx or fall prey once again to their past haunts remains to be seen.
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