All-rounder Axar Patel's joy turned into a heartbreak as skipper Rohit Sharma's dropped catch denied him an ODI hat-trick during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh in Dubai on Thursday (February 20).

No Indian bowler has claimed a hat-trick in the history of Champions Trophy. Axar had that chance but Rohit spilled Jaker Ali’s easy catch at first slip.

Rohit seemed to have it under control but just when he seemed to have gotten underneath the ball, it popped out. No one was more furious at the error than the captain himself.

The drop proved costly, not just for Axar but for India as well as Ali and Towhid Hridoy stitched a century partnership, propelling Bangladesh to 228/10 in 49.4 overs.

During the innings break, Axar opened up on the missed opportunity, admitting he went through a range of emotions in a matter of a few seconds.

"A lot happened. I didn't know if it (Tanzid Hasan wicket) was out, but KL appealed and it was out. Then I go the second wicket. The third one, when the edge was found, I thought I got my hat-trick. It was an eventful over. I started to celebrate and then I saw it (Rohit dropping the catch). I didn't react and just came back. It's part of the game," Axar told the broadcasters.

"The wicket got easier to bat and I think it's an easy total to chase. It's a slow wicket and as the ball gets older, it gets easier to bat. Second innings, it'll continue to remain slow. My role is to contribute whenever my team needs. Happy that the team trusts me a lot," he added.

Axar Patel eventually returned with the figures of 2/43 in his 9 overs. Tanzid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim were his two victims.