Axar Patel angry at Rohit Sharma? Spinner breaks silence on captain’s ‘hat-trick denying’ blunder
India’s Axar Patel Opens Up on Missed Hat-Trick Opportunity
India’s national cricket team spin-bowling all-rounder, Axar Patel, recently shared his thoughts on the missed opportunity for a historic ODI hat-trick due to a blunder made by captain Rohit Sharma. The incident took place during India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 20.
The Missed Hat-Trick Opportunity
Axar Patel had a stellar performance with the ball, picking up two crucial wickets in his 9 overs while giving away 43 runs. In the 9th over, Axar dismissed Tanzid Hasan caught behind by KL Rahul. Followed by that, he sent Mushfiqur Rahim packing for a golden duck. On the fourth ball of the over, Axar delivered a brilliant ball that caught the edge of Jake Ali’s bat, setting up a hat-trick opportunity.
Unfortunately, Rohit Sharma dropped a sitter at first slip, denying Axar Patel the chance to achieve a hat-trick. Despite the missed opportunity, Axar remained composed and continued with his over.
Axar Patel’s Reaction
During the mid-innings break, Axar Patel reflected on the missed hat-trick opportunity and Rohit Sharma’s dropped catch. He acknowledged that such occurrences are part of the game and expressed no anger towards his skipper.
Axar shared, “A lot happened. I didn’t know if it (Tanzid Hasan wicket) was out, but KL appealed and it was out. Then I got the second wicket. The third one, when the edge was found, I thought I got my hat-trick. It was an eventful over.”
He further added, “Honestly, I started celebrating when the ball went to Rohit Sharma. But then I realized he had dropped it. What to do. Sabke saath hota hai (happens with everybody). When it happened, I did not react much as I just turned back and went away. It’s part of the game.”
India vs. Bangladesh: A Thrilling Encounter
The last ODI match between India and Bangladesh in Dubai dates back to September 28, 2018, during the Asia Cup final. It was a thrilling encounter where Bangladesh, after a flying start from Litton Das, suffered a dramatic collapse, allowing Indian bowlers to restrict them to 222 runs.
In response, India faced a challenging chase with Bangladesh bowlers putting up a strong fight. Despite hurdles, India managed to secure a nail-biting victory on the last ball of the match, clinching their seventh Asia Cup title. Litton Das was the standout performer for Bangladesh, earning the Player of the Match award for his century.
Overall, Axar Patel’s reflections on the missed hat-trick opportunity provide insights into the ups and downs of cricket matches, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Axar Patel’s Resilience and Sportsmanship
Axar Patel’s reaction to the missed hat-trick opportunity highlights his resilience and sportsmanship on the field. Despite the disappointment of not being able to achieve a rare feat in cricket, Axar remained composed and focused on his game. This attitude is a testament to his professionalism and mental strength as a cricketer.
It is essential for players to maintain a positive mindset and move forward from setbacks during a match. Axar’s ability to quickly refocus and continue performing at his best showcases his maturity as a player. This mindset not only benefits his individual performance but also sets a positive example for his teammates and aspiring cricketers.
The Pressure of Achieving a Hat-Trick
The opportunity to take a hat-trick in cricket is a rare and exciting moment for any bowler. The pressure to deliver a perfect ball and dismiss three consecutive batsmen can be immense, especially on a big stage like the ICC Champions Trophy. Axar Patel’s experience of being just a catch away from achieving a hat-trick sheds light on the intense pressure that comes with such milestones in the game.
Handling the pressure of a potential hat-trick requires not only skill and precision but also mental fortitude. The ability to stay calm and focused in high-pressure situations is a crucial aspect of a cricketer’s performance, and Axar’s approach to the missed opportunity exemplifies his composure under pressure.
India-Bangladesh Rivalry: A History of Thrilling Matches
The rivalry between India and Bangladesh in cricket has produced some memorable and thrilling matches over the years. Both teams have faced each other in high-stakes encounters, including Asia Cup finals and ICC tournaments, leading to intense competition on the field.
Matches between India and Bangladesh often showcase the passion and talent of players from both sides, creating an exciting spectacle for cricket fans around the world. The competitive spirit and close contests between these teams have added to the charm of their rivalry, making every encounter a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts.
Lessons Learned from Missed Opportunities
Missed opportunities, like Axar Patel’s chance for a hat-trick, provide valuable lessons for cricketers at all levels. In the fast-paced and unpredictable world of cricket, players often face moments of triumph and disappointment, shaping their growth and resilience on the field.
By reflecting on missed chances and setbacks, players can learn to adapt, stay focused, and improve their performance in future matches. Axar Patel’s response to the missed hat-trick opportunity serves as a reminder that resilience, sportsmanship, and a positive mindset are essential qualities for success in cricket and any competitive sport.
As the cricketing world continues to witness thrilling encounters and remarkable performances, players like Axar Patel inspire fans and budding cricketers with their skill, determination, and ability to overcome challenges on the field.
By exploring the nuances of cricket, the impact of missed opportunities, and the resilience of players like Axar Patel, fans and enthusiasts gain a deeper appreciation for the sport and the personal journeys of the athletes who make it so captivating.


