Indian all-rounder Axar Patel revealed that he was ready to celebrate his hat-trick before realizing that Rohit Sharma had dropped the catch in the slip cordon during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 match against Bangladesh.
The left-arm spinner had dismissed Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim on consecutive deliveries in the ninth over but narrowly missed out on removing Jaker Ali on the next ball. Axar lured Jaker Ali into a forward defensive stroke, inducing a thick edge that seemed destined for an easy catch by skipper Rohit Sharma.
However, Rohit fumbled the opportunity, visibly frustrated as he slammed the ground in disappointment. He later apologized to Axar with folded hands after getting back on his feet. The missed chance proved costly, as Jaker Ali went on to score 68 off 114 balls, forging a record 154-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy.
Meanwhile, Axar Patel ended with figures of 2/43 from his nine overs, including a maiden. At the innings break, the all-rounder reflected on his eventful first over, which featured two wickets, a chance for a hat-trick, and a heartbreaking dropped catch.
“A lot happened. First, I did not know he (Tanzid) was out. Then, I got the second wicket and then the dropped catch happened. Main celebrate karne wala thha (I was about to celebrate), but then I turned my back and did not think about it. It happens. Everyone makes mistakes,” Axar Patel told the broadcasters.
“My job is to contribute wherever the team requires me”- Axar Patel
Axar Patel has taken on multiple roles while representing the national team, including a recent stint as a No. 5 batter. He is frequently entrusted with bowling during the powerplay in white-ball cricket, a strategy that yielded immediate success against Bangladesh. The all-rounder expressed his willingness to adapt to any role for the team’s benefit.
“The wicket eased out after that. I think this is a chasable score. As the ball goes soft, it becomes easier to bat on. My role is to be where the team needs me. It feels good that the team trusts me,” Axar stated.
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