‘I receive 150 messages every day to come against RCB’ – Ben Cutting reveals fans’ demand for IPL return

Ben Cutting, an Australian all-rounder, recently said that he receives roughly “150 messages every day” encouraging him to return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). Although Cutting did not have a long international career with Australia, his spectacular performance in the 2016 IPL final cemented his spot in the hearts of cricket fans.

He played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the 2016 season and gave a match-winning performance in the final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He scored 39 runs in 15 balls and took two important wickets, including Chris Gayle’s, to help SRH win the IPL.

“If I load up my private messages on Instagram now, there’ll be 150 every day saying, ‘Can you make yourself available for the IPL as a replacement player?’ for any team that’s coming up against RCB,” according to Cutting.

“What was accomplished that night…” It is one of the world’s largest sporting events. To play for Australia was always a dream of mine, and I’m still unhappy that I didn’t get to play Test cricket. But the IPL final remains my favourite,” he said.

Cutting claimed that several cricket pundits applauded his performance against RCB in the 2016 IPL final. He also remarked that while RCB is still searching for their first IPL trophy, the importance of his effort has grown over time.

“For whatever reason, social media has grown significantly this year. I believe that the more the years pass and RCB still hasn’t won, the more meaningful that night becomes to the Hyderabadis. Time has flown. Even at the time, I knew it was going to be the pinnacle of my career,” remarked Cutting.

I hope it wasn’t against Watson. Ben Cutting

In the 2016 IPL final, Cutting stepped in to bat during the 16th over and single-handedly turned the game around for SRH. He increased the team’s total from 147 to 208 with a scorching knock, including a 117-metre six off Shane Watson.

“I knew he was bowling at around 140 kmph, and rapid bowling on that type of pitch would be ideal for my game. I simply wish it was not against Watto! I adore the man. He was a hero of mine who rose through the ranks. I still feel bad about witnessing that happen to someone I looked up to – and still do – as a hero on the pitch’, added Cutting.