Former Australia all-rounder Ben Cutting has revealed that he keeps getting messages from fans during the IPL 2025 season, requesting him to join as a replacement player for teams who are set to face RCB. Cutting became a hero for SRH and a villain for RCB fans for his performance in the IPL 2016 final.

The Aussie all-rounder played a starring role in SRH’s only final win in IPL as he scored 39 off 15 balls and picked up two wickets as they beat RCB by eight runs at the Chinnaswamy stadium. Cutting revealed in an interview with ESPNCricinfo that he gets at least 150 messages from fans requesting to play against RCB.

“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?'” said Cutting.

Cutting said that his heroics in the IPL 2016 final was the highlight of his cricketing career as he was adjudged as the Player Of The Match for his performance.

“What was achieved that night It’s essentially one of the biggest sporting events in the world. 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,” said Cutting.

‘Just wish it wasn’t against Watto’

During the final, Cutting took Shane Watson to the cleaners, scoring 24 runs off the 20th over as it consisted of three sixes and a boundary. The all-rounder said he felt bad that Watson was unfortunately at the receiving end of the hammering during the final.

“I knew that he was bowling close to 140 [kph] and some quick bowling like that on that sort of wicket was going to suit my game to a tee. I just wish it wasn’t against Watto! I love the bloke. He was a hero of mine coming through the ranks. I still feel guilty about seeing it unfold like that against someone that I looked up to – and still do – as a hero on the field,” said Cutting.

Cutting also said he wished that he clicked more pictures during the celebrations with the trophy.

“Looking back, I just wish I’d had more photos during the celebrations with the trophy. I’ve got one blurry one of myself and [assistant coach] Murali [Muthiah Muralidaran], but I really wish that I would’ve had more with that special trophy,” said Cutting.

RCB look to be on a roll this season, making it to the playoffs with two games remaining.

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