'That was an easy catch' - Rohit Sharma laments dropping hat-trick catch

India captain Rohit Sharma expressed his disappointment after missing out on an easy catch at first slip, denying Axar Patel a hat-trick during their Champions Trophy 2025 opener over Bangladesh on Thursday, February 20.

India had restricted Bangladesh to 35/5 before Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali staged a comeback. With Hridoy scoring his maiden ODI century and Jaker contributing a well-made 68, the tables were turned and the target was set to 229.

"That was an easy catch, I should have taken it. I've set high standards for myself in the slips, so it was a bit disappointing. But these things happen. More importantly, the way our bowlers performed set the game up for us," said Rohit at the post-match presentation.

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The mislaid chance came in the ninth over when Axar Patel dismissed both Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim off two successive deliveries. On hat-trick ball, Axar lured an edge from Jaker, but Rohit squandered the opportunity, where he was evidently crabbed as he started hitting the ground in discontentment. Meanwhile, Axar, took a step back with his hands on his head. 

"I was ready to celebrate, but then I turned around and saw it didn't happen. These things are part of the game," Axar expressed during the innings break.

Rohit later tried to lighten up the mood with a promise to compensate it with Axar. He said, "I'll take him out for dinner on Friday night."

Regardless of Bangladesh's resistance, India remained preeminent.

"They got a big partnership, and that can happen. Credit to Hridoy and Jaker for the way they batted. But with the bat, I thought we were very clinical," Rohit acknowledged. 

In 10 overs, Axar finished with 2 for 43. India won the match by six wickets on the back of a Shubman Gill century.