"Rohit Sharma will feel worse" - Dinesh Karthik on Axar Patel's hat-trick drop

Former Team India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik shared his thoughts on Rohit Sharma's dropped catch, which denied Axar Patel a hat-trick. Dinesh Karthik acknowledged that such opportunities are rare and that Axar Patel had worked hard to create them, but such mistakes happen on the field.

India began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday, February 20. Axar Patel came close to securing a hat-trick during the match. The spinner dismissed Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim on consecutive deliveries in the ninth over.

Axar Patel Misses Out on Hat-Trick as Rohit Sharma Drops Jaker Ali

However, Axar Patel missed out on a hat-trick as Rohit dropped Jaker Ali’s catch in the slip cordon. The left-arm spinner bowled a beautiful delivery that got a thick edge, but Rohit failed to hold on to a straightforward chance. The Indian captain repeatedly hit the ground before apologizing to Axar.

The missed opportunity proved costly for India. Jaker Ali went on to score 68 runs off 114 balls and added a 154-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy for the sixth wicket. Despite missing the hat-trick, Axar delivered an impressive spell, finishing with figures of 2/43 in his nine overs, including a maiden.

Rohit Sharma Probably Got a Little Excited - Dinesh Karthik on Axar Patel’s Missed Hat-Trick

In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Dinesh Karthik expressed sympathy for Rohit Sharma. Karthik acknowledged that such mistakes happen on the field. He suggested that Rohit might have been a bit too eager to take the catch but added that the Indian skipper would likely feel worse about the drop.

"It's not often that you get the opportunity to get a hat trick. He (Axar Patel) had that opportunity, he created that opportunity, but then sometimes catches like this, you have no reason to give as an expert or as a fielding coach. It just happens," Karthik said.

"Rohit Sharma probably got a little excited knowing that it was coming towards him, but it's okay I guess But I think for today, I think Rohit Sharma will feel a lot worse," he added.

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India Secure Six-Wicket Victory in Their Champions Trophy Opener

Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, posted a total of 228 runs in 49.4 overs. They recovered from 35-5 to record a decent total. Towhid Hridoy scored his maiden century, smashing 100 runs off 118 balls.

India got off to a good start in the powerplay, but scoring became harder in the middle overs. The absence of dew allowed spinner Rishad Hossain (2-38) to trouble Indian batters.

India was at 144-4, but the partnership of Shubman Gill and KL Rahul guided them to victory with over three overs to spare. Gill reached his century in the final moments of the chase.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday, February 23. Notably, it will be their first ODI clash since the 2023 World Cup.

Also read: Fakhar Zaman pens emotional message after being replaced by Imam-ul-Haq in Pakistan's CT squad