Rohit Sharma dropped a crucial catch that denied Axar Patel a hat-trick during India’s Champions Trophy match against Bangladesh, sparking widespread reactions from fans and analysts.
Axar, who had already dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mahmudullah on consecutive deliveries, was on the verge of securing a rare ODI hat-trick. On the next ball, Mehidy Hasan Miraz edged the delivery straight to first slip, where Sharma was positioned. However, the ball slipped through his fingers and rolled to the boundary, leaving Patel visibly frustrated.
Social Media Reacts
The missed opportunity quickly became a trending topic, with fans sharing reactions across social media platforms.
“Axar Patel was one ball away from history. Rohit Sharma had other plans,” a fan wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Another user joked, “BREAKING: Rohit Sharma to host a team dinner as an apology for denying Axar Patel’s hat-trick.”
Stats analysts also weighed in, noting that the last Indian to secure a Champions Trophy hat-trick was Harbhajan Singh in 2002.
Sharma Addresses the Drop
Following India’s six-wicket victory, Sharma addressed the incident in the post-match press conference.
“I think I got ahead of myself and started celebrating before I actually caught the ball,” Sharma said with a laugh. “I owe Axar a dinner for this one.”
India Secures Comfortable Win
Despite the missed chance, India chased down Bangladesh’s total of 228 with ease. Shubman Gill led the charge with an unbeaten 101, while KL Rahul sealed the match with a six.
Patel finished the game with three wickets for 41 runs, playing a pivotal role in restricting Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
