Rohit Sharma Feels ‘Embarrassed’ for Axar Patel’s Missed Hat-Trick, Plans Unique Apology

Rohit Sharma's India National Cricket Team displayed a dominant performance in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opening match against Najmul Hossain Shanto-led Bangladesh National Cricket Team.

Team India crushed Team Bangladesh by 6 wickets and 21 balls remaining at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, February 20, to start their campaign on a high.

Also Read: 'Prince' Shubman Gill is here to rule: Fans in awe of batter's sensational ton in CT 2025

Gill and KL played really well - Rohit Sharma

Shubman Gill hit a brilliant century while chasing the target against Bangladesh, and KL Rahul provided him with great support with his crucial 41-run knock.

Speaking after the match, India skipper Rohit Sharma lauded Gill and Rahul for playing well and steering India to a win from the pressure situation.

"Before you come and play you got to be confident. As the game goes on there are different emotions that come through. But there is a lot of experience in that dressing room," Rohit Sharma said.

"Gill and KL played really well. Very hard to say that (on pitch playing slow) after just one game. You play the conditions and try and think about what you do. We assessed the conditions well as a team. You are bound to be under pressure in a tournament like Champions Trophy," he added.

No, that was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch - Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma further lauded Mohammed Shami for his sensational 5-wicket haul and said:

"Very happy for him (Shami), long time waiting. We know what he brings to us. We need guys like him to stand up when we need. Gill, we know the class that he has. It Shouldn't surprise anyone. It was good to see him bat till the end."

Notably, Rohit Sharma denied Axar Patel a hat-trick by dropping a sitter to give a lifeline to Jaker Ali. While talking about this, the Indian skipper said that he might take the all-rounder for a special dinner as an apology. Rohit Sharma said:

"May take him (Axar) for dinner tomorrow (smiles). No, that was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch with the standards I have set for myself. But I do know these things are bound to happen. Credit to Hridoy and Jaker, they stitched a nice partnership."

At last, Rohit Sharma talked about the pitch that will be on offer in the next match against Pakistan in Dubai. He said:

"(Asked if he expects the pitch to play similar in the next game as well) Not sure, but it will be pretty much similar I guess. I am not the curator here to tell you how exactly it will play but looks like it with the way the games have been played here."

How was India's Performance vs Bangladesh in their previous ODI?

India showcased their class in the previous ODI match against Bangladesh on October 19, 2023, in Pune during the ICC Cricket World Cup. With the help of disciplined bowling effort and brilliant batting performance, the Men in Blue won the match by 7 wickets.

Bowling first, the Jasprit Bumrah-led attack ensured Bangladesh never had the momentum on their side. After an aggressive opening stand from Tanzid Hasan and Litton Das, Indian spinners shifted the momentum towards their team.

Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja triggered a middle-order collapse and pushed the Tigers on the back foot. Jasprit Bumrah, as usual, was exceptional at the death and he received great support from Mohammed Siraj as India restricted Bangladesh to 256/8.

With 257 to chase, the Indian top order made things look easy. Rohit Sharma attacked from the start, hitting seven fours and two sixes in his 40-ball 48 while Shubman Gill hit an incredible half-century.

Despite the dismissal of openers, India never lost momentum as Virat Kohli controlled the run-chase with his innings of 103*, which featured six fours and four sixes. KL Rahul played a supporting role, and together they took India home with 51 balls to spare.