Ben Cutting Remembers Iconic 2016 IPL Final, Says Fans Are Urging Him to Return—Just to Play Against RCB
Former Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting has revealed that he’s been flooded with messages from fans urging him to return to the IPL—not for a full season, but specifically as a replacement player for any team facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
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Ben Cutting's memorable knock in 2016 finals
Cutting became a cult hero among Sunrisers Hyderabad fans and something of a villain to RCB supporters for his match-winning performance in the 2016 IPL final. That night, he smashed a blazing 39 off 16 balls and took two crucial wickets, helping SRH secure their maiden title with an 8-run win over RCB. His all-round heroics earned him the Player of the Match award in what remains one of the most memorable finals in IPL history.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Cutting shared the surprising fan attention he’s been receiving nearly a decade later.
“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?” he said with a laugh.
Ben Cutting Reflecting on the memorable night
Reflecting on that unforgettable night in 2016, Cutting called it a career highlight—even more meaningful than some of his achievements in international cricket.
“What we achieved that night… it’s essentially one of the biggest sporting events in the world,” he said.
“To play for Australia was always a lifetime goal of mine, and I’m still disappointed I didn’t get to play Test cricket. But that IPL final, for me, still ranks higher than everything else.”
One of the standout moments from the final was when Cutting went after fellow Aussie and close friend Shane Watson, smashing him for three sixes in an over, scoring 24 runs in a game-changing moment.
“I knew he was bowling close to 140 [kph], and that kind of pace on that surface suited my game perfectly. I just wish it hadn’t been against Watto! I love the bloke,” Cutting admitted.“He was a hero of mine coming through the ranks. I still feel a bit guilty about how that over unfolded—against someone I looked up to, and still do.”
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Despite the incredible victory, Cutting regrets not capturing more memories from that night.
“Looking back, I just wish I’d had more photos during the celebrations with the trophy. I’ve only got one blurry one with [assistant coach] Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran], but I really wish there were more with that special trophy,” he said.
As IPL 2025 heads into its final stages, it’s clear that fans haven’t forgotten Cutting’s heroics and some are still hoping for a surprise comeback, especially if it means going up against RCB again.
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