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India started their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a dominant six-wicket victory over Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, the match had its share of drama as skipper Rohit Sharma’s dropped catch denied Axar Patel a historic moment.
Axar Patel’s near hat-trick opportunity
In the ninth over of Bangladesh’s innings, left-arm spinner Axar was in red-hot form. He dismissed opener Tanzid Hasan and veteran Mushfiqur Rahim off consecutive deliveries, setting himself up for a rare ODI hat-trick. With only four Indian bowlers having previously achieved the feat in ODIs, Axar was on the verge of history.
On the hat-trick ball, Jaker Ali edged it straight to Rohit at first slip. It seemed like a straightforward chance for the Indian captain, known for his safe hands, but he surprisingly spilled the catch, letting the opportunity slip away.
Rohit Sharma’s reaction and apology to Axar
Rohit’s immediate reaction showed his frustration—he slammed the turf, uttered a few words in disappointment, and turned to Axar with folded hands in a gesture of apology. The missed catch was a moment of agony, not just for Rohit but for the entire Indian team and fans who recognized how special a hat-trick in the Champions Trophy could have been.
Speaking after the match, Rohit took full responsibility for the mistake. He admitted: “That was an easy catch, I should have taken that with the standards I have set for myself.”
Attempting to lighten the mood, he added, “I may take Axar for dinner tomorrow.”
Also READ: IND vs BAN: ‘He had dropped it’ – Axar Patel breaks silence after Rohit Sharma denies him a Champions Trophy 2025 hat-trick
India’s clinical chase seals victory
Despite Rohit’s drop, Bangladesh posted a competitive total, with Jaker making the most of his lifeline and scoring 68, supported by a solid innings from Towhid Hridoy. However, India comfortably chased down the target, with Rohit himself contributing at the top of the order. Though the major contribution came from Shubman Gill, who smashed a brilliant century to take India over the finish line.
After the win, Rohit praised the team’s overall effort while acknowledging Bangladesh’s fight.
“The way Jaker and Hridoy batted, credit to them—they put us under some pressure. But our bowlers did the job early on, and that’s what matters,” Rohit added further.
