CT: Axar Patel reacts as Rohit's fumble denies him hat-trick
What's the story
In a dramatic turn of events in India's 2025 Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, all-rounder Axar Patel was denied a historic hat-trick.
The missed opportunity came when team captain Rohit Sharma dropped a catch at first slip.
This incident was the first time an Indian bowler was on the verge of achieving a hat-trick in this prestigious tournament.
Meanwhile, Patel revealed how he felt about the same, in an interview during the innings break.
Here's what he said.
Match details
Patel's hat-trick attempt and Rohit's costly error
Patel had just dismissed two Bangladeshi batters on consecutive deliveries and was on the verge of a third in Dubai.
However, Rohit's slip-up let the ball slip away from his hands, denying Patel his hat-trick.
The blunder not only cost Patel a personal milestone but also proved costly for Team India as Bangladesh's Jaker Ali and Towhid Hridoy made the most of it by adding a 154-run partnership.
Emotional rollercoaster
Patel reflects on missed hat-trick opportunity
Speaking during the innings break, Patel lamented the missed hat-trick opportunity.
He called it an emotional rollercoaster, saying, "A lot happened. I didn't know if it (Tanzid Hasan wicket) was out, but KL appealed and it was out."
"I started to celebrate and then I saw it (Rohit dropping the catch). I didn't react and just came back. It's part of the game," he further added.
Nevertheless, Patel stayed hopeful about India's chances in the match.
Fielding woes
Fielding errors mar India's performance against Bangladesh
India's fielding display was further marred by more dropped catches.
Hardik Pandya dropped an easy chance at mid-off of Hridoy, who went on to score a century.
Even the keeper, KL Rahul had a close shave, albeit a half-chance.
Meanwhile, these fielding errors helped Bangladesh recover from 35/5 and finish at 228/10.
Mohammed Shami claimed a fifer for India as Harshit Rana dismissed three batters.
Match highlights
Patel's early impact and Rohit's missed catch
Patel was introduced into the attack in the ninth over with Bangladesh reeling at 35/3.
He soon got rid of Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim off successive deliveries.
For his possible hat-trick delivery, Ali was greeted by a packed slip cordon with two slips and a leg slip in position.
Patel bowled a perfect delivery that took a thick outside edge but Rohit dropped the catch at first slip, denying Patel his historic moment.
Stats
A look at the all-rounder's ODI numbers
Patel bowled nine overs in the game, claiming 2/43.
His two-fer has now taken him to 69 ODI wickets in 64 ODIs at an average of 32.15. His economy rate reads 4.51.
According to ESPNcricinfo, he has also amassed 682 runs at 21.31, while striking at 94.59. He also owns three fifties, including the highest score of 64*.