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Australian all-rounder Ben Cutting is not playing in top T20 leagues anymore and making appearances in leagues for retired players. Cutting who won't be considered in any IPL all-time has a cult fanbase. The hard-hitter is still lauded by fans for his all-round show in the IPL 2016 final for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He revealed getting messages on Instagram nine years later to join any franchise as replacement player to play against RCB.
"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," Cutting told ESPNCricinfo.
In the IPL 2016, he scored 39 runs from just 15 balls, featuring three fours and four sixes. He smashed Shane Watson for 24 runs in the final over to get SRH to 208/7 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. He was impressive with the ball too. First, he broke the opening partnership with Chris Gayle's wicket. He also dismissed KL Rahul as well.
Cutting regrets not being part of Australia's Test squad but ranks IPL 2016 as his career's best moment. He still recalls taking down his hero Watson with the bat.
"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 the 38-year-old.
"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," he added.
Nine years later, Cutting also regrets not taking more photos 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 the fast-bowling all-rounder
Cutting's IPL career
Cutting has played just 21 IPL games and scored 238 runs. His strike rate is 168.79. With the ball, he has 10 wickets at an average of 42.90. After getting released by SRH post 2017 edition, he was roped in by Mumbai Indians (MI). He played nine games for MI in 2018 and three in the following edition. He did not get to play another IPL game after MI stint.
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