Indian captain Rohit Sharma dropped a great chance of Axar Patel’s ODI hat-trick during their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh. While the two-time winners started the tournament with a comfortable win, the Indian all-rounder asked for the payback from the Indian skipper for his mistake. 

India started the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 strongly with a six-wicket win against Bangladesh in the Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Mohammed Shami claimed a fifer, opening batter Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten century. 

Axar Patel missed his hat-trick after Rohit Sharma dropped a catch

Axar Patel had a great start in the tournament as the left-arm spinner picked up two wickets in successive deliveries during his first three deliveries of the tournament. After dismissing the opener Tanzid Hasan (25), the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim scored a golden duck as both were caught behind by the wicketkeeper KL Rahul. 

Patel was on a hat trick, and the new batter Jaker Ali had a thick edge. The slip fielder Rohit Sharma went on for a simple catch, but he dropped it. The Indian skipper was frustrated with his own mistake as he slapped the field multiple times and quickly said sorry to Patel for destroying his deserving hat trick opportunity. 

Patel was always in a light mood, and despite a few hiccups in the fielding and batting, the two-time Champions Trophy winners claimed a comfortable win. From 35/5, Bangladesh scored 228 runs, and India reached the target in 46.3 overs after losing four wickets. Patel had the bowling figures of 9-1-43-2, and the left-handed batter scored eight runs. 

See Also: The Comeback Of Mohammad Shami And Carnage At Dubai

I may take him for a dinner tomorrow: Rohit Sharma on Axar Patel

At the presentation ceremony, Indian captain Rohit Sharma talked about that mistake. He said, “I may take him for a dinner tomorrow. That was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch, the standards I have set standing in the slips but these things happen. Credit to Hridoy and Jaker to stitch that big partnership.”

On the next day, Axar Patel used social media to remind the Indian skipper of the pending dinner.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Axar Patel (@akshar.patel)

As India have started their journey in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, the Indian right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami has once again shown his true caliber with a five-wicket haul. His bowling influenced the Indian team to control Bangladesh innings even their outstanding sixth wicket partnership.

In the Group A match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Bangladesh chose to bat first against India. Bangladesh lost their first five wickets only for 35 runs in the ninth over, where Mohammed Shami took two wickets.

Mohammed Shami recorded a fifer

Later, Shami dismissed Jaker Ali for 68 runs, which broke the massive six-wicket partnership of 154 runs between Towhid Hridoy and Ali. Shami picked up two more wickets by dismissing Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0) and Taskin Ahmed (3) and ended the first innings with the bowling figures of 10-0-53-5. His bowling was a key reason for Bangladesh scoring 228 all out. It was Shami's first match in ICC Champions Trophy history, and he continued his familiar form in the ICC tournament. 

Also Watch: What Rohit Sharma does after dropping Axar Patel's deserving hat-trick chance?

Mohammed Shami set some incredible records during the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener

In this match, Mohammed Shami created many records, and some of these records are as follows:

• Most wickets by an Indian in ICC ODI tournament history (60 wickets).
• Joint second fastest bowler to complete 200 ODI wickets.
• Recorded the second-best bowling figures by an Indian in ICC Champions Trophy history. 
• Extended own record for most four-wicket hauls in the premier ICC ODI tournament history (World Cup and Champions Trophy) with nine four-fers. 
• Extended own record for most fifers in the premier ICC ODI tournament history (World Cup and Champions Trophy) with five five-wicket hauls.

Undoubtedly, social media users have praised Mohammed Shami for his outstanding comeback in the ICC tournament. Here are some of the posts from X:

Well done @MdShami11 on your PANCH ka punch 🤛.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 20, 2025

SHAMI SHOW IN CHAMPIONS TROPHY! 🔥

Mohammed Shami breathes fire with the ball, claiming a sensational 5-wicket haul! 🎯💥

Take a bow, Shami! 🏏🔥#INDvsBAN | #ChampionsTrophy pic.twitter.com/ywuRljCUmW

— Indian Cricket Team (@incricketteam) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami – The Game Changer! 🔥😎#ICCChampionsTrophy #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/MdSGcHKdNr

— Jiyaul Khan (@JiyaulKhan_) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami. Mohammed
Whole year. During ICC
TOURNAMENTS pic.twitter.com/hz7yHalnuo

— POOJA DUBEY (@poojavdubey) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami – The Game Changer!

Meanwhile Fans right now 🙏❤️#ICCChampionsTrophy #IndvsBan#ChampionsTrophy2025 #INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/80fl9KZont

— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) February 20, 2025

Shami is a true game-changer for India in ICC tournaments. His performance on the big stage is always top-notch! 🔥#ChampionsTrophy2025 #mohammedshami #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/pfm7LIOQya

— 𝑲𝒐𝒉𝒍𝒊 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔💤 (@hereforkohli18) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami.

He always has been overshadowed by Bumrah but guy kept giving his best for the country and has become one of greatest to play in ICC tournaments. I’m so happy that he’s getting the recognition he deserves now and he should continue this throughout. #IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/hcEbBnO6UM

— ANSHUMAN🚩 (@AvengerReturns) February 20, 2025

Congratulations Mohammed Shami 🫡#IndvsBan pic.twitter.com/uHXFfxGtlY

— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) February 20, 2025

Mohammed Shami be like...#IndvsBan #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/ExRqyzOuAf

— Chota Chapri 2.0 (@chota_chapri8) February 20, 2025

Mohammad Shami in every icc tournament #IndvsBan #mohammedshami #ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/MGNiKOO4J9

— Shubham (@ShubhamRanga_) February 20, 2025

Indian captain Rohit Sharma provided another solid start for his national team with the bat in their first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they faced Bangladesh in the Group A fixture at Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Commentators once again praised the Indian skipper's batting style, while his old Indian opening partner Shikhar Dhawan made a special comment. 

In their first game of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match, after restricting Bangladesh to 228 runs from 35/5, Indian captain Rohit Sharma set up another good start for Men in Blue on the tricky batting pitch. While he and Shubman Gill had a valuable 69-run partnership for the first wicket inside the first powerplay, Rohit was dismissed on the fifth ball of the 10th over after scoring 41 off 36 balls with seven fours. His aggressive batting failed Bangladesh's early plan to pressurize the Indian batters.

See Also: Social media shower praises for unstoppable Mohammed Shami

Aakash Chopra and Shikhar Dhawan called Rohit Sharma pure diamond

Former Indian cricketers, Navjot Singh Sidhu, Aakash Chopra, and Shikhar Dhawan, were enjoying Rohit's batting in the Hindi commentary box. Aakash Chopra first commented, "10-carat ka heera hain ye" (He is a 10-carat diamond).

Shikhar Dhawan, who was a great opening partner of Rohit, replied with "Kehte hain ki kisi ke naak main heera, kisi ke kaan main heera, mujhe heero se matlab kya, mera to yaar hain heera" (They say that someone has a diamond in their nose, someone has a diamond in their ear, what do I care about diamonds, my friend is a diamond) 

Shikhar Dhawan for Rohit Sharma:

"Kisi ke naak me heera, kisi ke kaan me heera. Mujhe unse kya lena dena, kyonki mera to yaar hi hain Heera"🥹❤️
pic.twitter.com/IORq7DmAoi

— Kuljot (@Ro45Kuljot) February 20, 2025

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were great opening partners

Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan were one of the best opening partners in Indian white-ball cricket history. As the opening partners, they recorded 5148 partnership runs in ODIs and 1743 partnership runs in T20Is.

After the Indian skipper missed a sitter to deprive the left-arm spinner of a deserved hat-trick against Bangladesh on Thursday in Dubai in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group match, Axar Patel could be in for dinner surprise from skipper Rohit Sharma. With Shubman Gill's ton, India eventually won the match by six wickets to make a good beginning to their campaign.
Bangladesh decided to bat, but after the loss of the first three wickets in the seventh over, they were deep in trouble. Axar Patel, who came into the bowling in the ninth over, repaid the favour by getting Tanzid Hasan Tamim and Mushfiqur Rahim in his second and third balls respectively.

Rohit Sharma said - “May take Axar Patel 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”. pic.twitter.com/UVu7dNGIR6

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) February 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: Subhman Gill Century Paves The Road To Victory For India

Rohit action and reply:
Against the hat-trick ball, Axar hit down the right channel and Jaker Ali Anik hit one to Rohit in the slip cordon. Yet, Rohit dropped an easy catch as Axar missed out on the chance of taking the hat-trick. Post the match being won by India with six wickets, Rohit said he might take the all-rounder out for dinner and also admitted that he should have taken the 'easy' catch.

“I may take him for a dinner tomorrow. That was an easy catch, I should have taken that catch, the standards I have set standing in the slips but these things happen,” Rohit was quoted as saying in the post-match presentation ceremony.

India, the two-time winners of the ICC Champions Trophy, started their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 journey with a comfortable six-wicket win against Bangladesh in the Group A match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Thursday (February 20).

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to bat first after winning the toss. Bangladesh showed incredible fighting spirits by scoring 228 all out from 35/5, but India comfortably chased down the target in 46.3 overs after losing four wickets. While the right-arm fast bowler Mohammed Shami took a fifer, Shubman Gill scored the valuable unbeaten century.

Towhid Hridoy and Jaker Ali set up a memorable comeback from 35/5

India took two wickets in the first two overs of the match as Shami dismissed Soumya Sarkar (0) in the first over, and Harshit Rana took the wicket of the skipper Shanto (0) in the next over. Shami then dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz (5) in the seventh over as Shubman Gill grabbed a superb catch at the slip. On his first three balls of the match, Axar Patel took back-to-back wickets of opener Tanzid Hasan (25) and Mushfiqur Rahim (0), but the left-arm spinner just missed out on a deserving ODI hat-trick as Rohit Sharma dropped Jake Ali at slip.  

Later, Hardik Pandya also dropped Towhid Hridoy at mid-off, and both Hridoy and Ali set up a great partnership to bring Bangladesh back into the game. From the tough situation, they built up a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, which was also Bangladesh's highest ODI partnership for any wicket against India. 

Ultimately, Mohammed Shami broke that partnership by dismissing Ali for 68 runs (114 balls; four fours) in the 43rd over. Rishad Hossain (18 off 12 balls) had a little cameo before Harshit Rana took his wicket. Without any further partners' help, Hridoy desperately fought hard to guide Bangladesh to a challenging first innings total. Even though he was struggling with cramps, he refused to leave the field till the end. He ultimately scored his first ODI century and scored 100 off 118 balls (six fours and two sixes) at his dismissal, as Rana took his wicket to end the innings. Earlier, Shami completed his fifer by taking the wickets of Tanzim Hasan Sakib (0) and Taskin Ahmed (3).

Shami ended with the bowling figures of 10-0-53-5. Also, Harshit Rana (3/31) picked up three wickets and Axar Patel (2/43) got two wickets. 

Indian openers provided a strong start before facing tough questions

Chasing down the target, India had a good start as the openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill maintained their natural tempo. Before the Indian skipper Rohit was dismissed for 41 off 36 balls with seven fours in 9.5 overs, the openers had a 69-run partnership. However, after the first powerplay, the pitch became tougher for the batters, especially against the spinners and slower deliveries. 

After getting a cautious start, Virat Kohli lost his wicket to Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain for 22 runs. Shreyas Iyer (15) and Axar Patel (8) fell cheaply, and the chasing status moved to the tense moment. While Gill was batting calmly, the other batters, especially new batters, were struggling to control the innings. KL Rahul also had a slow start, and he got big luck as Jaker Ali dropped him at deep square leg, and Rahul utilised that luck without any further hiccup. 

Shubman Gill and KL Rahul finished the game comfortably

Slowly but steadily, Gill and Rahul guided India to a comfortable win with their solid unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 87 runs. Rahul was not out for 41 off 47 balls with one four and two sixes, and the Player of the Match Gill scored 101 not out off 129 balls with nine fours and two sixes. It was Gill's eighth but one of the memorable ODI centuries. With this century, Gill also recorded four consecutive 50+ scores in ODI and two successive ODI centuries. 

Among the Bangladesh bowlers, Rishad Hossain (2/38) was excellent along with wicketless Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0/37), while Taskin Ahmed (1/36) and Mustafizur Rahman (1/62) bagged one wicket each. They surely missed one more spinner in the squad, which could make the game more interesting. 

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami has contributed another milestone to his storied career by achieving 200 international wickets on Asian soil. Famous for his deadly pace, reverse swing, and capacity to strike at pivotal moments, Shami remains a central player in India's bowling unit across formats.

🚨 𝑴𝑰𝑳𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑶𝑵𝑬 🚨

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami completes 200 international wickets on Asian soil! 🇮🇳🔥

A true match-winner for India 👊#MohammedShami #Tests #ODIs #T20Is #India #Sportskeeda pic.twitter.com/IKbNYjv12W

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 20, 2025

ALSO SEE: Watch: What Rohit Sharma does after dropping Axar Patel's deserving hat-trick chance?

A Remarkable Feat
Shami's path to 200 wickets in Asia speaks volumes about his consistency and adaptability. As much as subcontinent conditions are thought to be more suited to spinners, Shami has gone against the trend by producing with the ball in red-ball and white-ball cricket. That he has the capacity to induce movement even from slow tracks is what has transformed him into a match-winner on several occasions.

Looking Ahead
With experience and skill being his strong point, Shami will be indispensable to India for future tournaments as well as decisive Test series. With his physical fitness and top form, it is expected that he will collect numerous more wickets in the years to come.

While the cricketing community is preparing itself for the Champions Trophy, Shreyas Iyer has received renewed backing as a future captain of Team India from former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa. The backing comes against the backdrop of increasing rumors of the leadership change in Indian cricket.

Robin Uthappa said "I think Shreyas Iyer is going to be the next Indian Captain". [Star Sports] pic.twitter.com/wKepoJLPXb

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 20, 2025

The New Captain
It has been seen that ex-cricket player Robin Uthappa is frequently on the news for giving controversial statements. He speaks about Indian cricket and shares his views. Recently, though. he spoke about the new captaincy of Team India, which has been in the headlines for some time now. According to him, Shreyas Iyer will become the new captain of the Indian team. "As far as I know, Shreyas Iyer is the future captain of Team India," he said.
"This is the final tournament for Kohli and Rohit.".
I know that this is Kohli and Rohit's last tournament. Maybe not the last. But I feel that this will be Kohli and Rohit's last match together. So I feel that all members of the team should play with this in their minds. I hope Virat Kohli scores big runs this year. I feel he will begin doing it from here (Champions Trophy). Virat will come into form very soon," he said.

ALSO SEE: Cricketers Who Are Just Like Anime Characters

Uthappa's Faith in Iyer
Uthappa has always shown his faith in Iyer's leadership skills. When Iyer led the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to their third Indian Premier League (IPL) title, Uthappa firmly declared, "I am going to say it here. He is going to be the future India captain."
His argument was supported when Iyer was picked by the Punjab Kings (PBKS) for a staggering INR 26.75 crore at the IPL auction. When Uthappa was appointed PBKS captain, he said, "If he can go there and win a title, I do not doubt that he is going to be the next Indian captain."

The Road Ahead
At the moment, Shreyas Iyer is included in India's 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy. Rohit Sharma is still the captain, with Shubman Gill as the vice-captain. Yet, with India likely to shift to a younger nucleus in the next few years, Iyer is still one of the strongest contenders for the captaincy. For the time being, cricket enthusiasts and pundits alike will keep an eye on Iyer's development as India gazes into the horizon of its leadership.

Indian captain Rohit Sharma is ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Before their tournament opener against Bangladesh, the Indian skipper showed a serious attitude for the tournament. 

India will face Bangladesh in the Group A contest of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Thursday (February 20) afternoon at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It will be their first ICC tournament since their trophy-lifting in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and the first ICC ODI tournament since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, where the hosts India finished as the runners-up. Rohit Sharma led the Indian team in both those ICC tournaments, and his team is ready for the ICC Champions Trophy challenge.  

See Also: England Will Be Completely Different Team In ICC Events Says Jos Butler

Every ICC tournament is important for us: Rohit Sharma

On the eve of their tournament opener, captain Rohit Sharma spoke in the press conference, “Every ICC tournament is important for us and the Champions Trophy is also very important for us."

Rohit Sharma on five spinners for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

While India will play all their matches in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, there is a question of many spinners in the squad. India have spin bowling options such as Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy. However, the Indian skipper sees Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar as the all-rounders and counts them as the assets of the team. 

Rohit added, "We've 2 spinners and the rest are all-rounders. I don't look at them as five spinners. Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar give us a lot of depth with the bat".

Indian captain on vice-captain Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill was highly impressive in the recent home ODI series against England as the right-handed batter won the Player of the Series award. Rohit is impressed with the ODI vice-captain’s performances. 

The Indian captain said, "Gill is a classy player, numbers are crazy - There is a reason why he has been moved as the vice-captain.”

Virat Kohli, "King Kohli," recently did an exclusive one-on-one interview with Star Sports, sharing inside details about his mental state of mind, cricket career, and what it takes to be a champion.
A Champion's Story: Rising Star to Cricket Great
Kohli reminisced about his initial days, recalling the ICC Champions Trophy as a major factor that shaped his career internationally.
From a young and hard-hitting player to India's batting pillar, Kohli asserted the value of discipline and constancy.

KING KOHLI SPECIAL INTERVIEW ON STAR SPORTS 🐐 pic.twitter.com/rHrDgtXaDl

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 19, 2025

ALSO SEE: Indian Flag Waves High at Karachi's National Stadium on Champions Trophy 2025 Opening

The Iconic 'Shot of the Century' & T20 World Cup Memories
One of cricket's most hyped moments in history is the record-breaking six by Kohli off Pakistan during the 2022 T20 World Cup. The International Cricket Council (ICC) referred to it as the 'Shot of the Century.'
Mental Strength: The Success in International Cricket
Kohli never avoided the mental aspect of the game. He accepted that pressure and expectation management are as crucial as technical ability.

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is less than 48 hours away and Team India will start their journey in the tournament on February 20. In this crucial moment, the Indian cricket team has received a shocking blow as a key member of the team has been returning home due to a personal emergency. 

Morne Morkel likely leaving the camp due to a personal emergency

While Team India is in Dubai for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, bowling coach Morne Morkel is likely to leave, if not already, for home due to a personal emergency. There is no official confirmation but the Times of India has reported that Morkel was not present during Team India's practice session on Monday (February 17), which was their first practice session under the light in the tour. 

Although the TOI report hasn't disclosed any reason yet, the report has talked about the former South African pacer's possibly leaving the camp immediately. As it is the news about personal emergencies and immediate possible departure, there is no clarity about his return to the team. 

Morkel arrived in Dubai with Team India last Saturday (February 15) and was present in the afternoon practice session last Sunday (February 16).  

See Also: Shreyas Iyer: ICC's Pick to Shine in the 2025 Champions Trophy

Eight teams are ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to start on Wednesday (February 19). The tournament is returning after eight years, while Pakistan is ready to host their first ICC tournament after the 1996 World Cup. Eight teams are ready to participate as the teams are India, Australia, England, South Africa, Bangladesh, New Zealand, Afghanistan, and the hosts as well as the defending champions Pakistan. Only India will play all their matches of the tournament in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, while all other teams will play the tournament in Pakistan, except for India's fixtures.

Two-time ICC Champions Trophy winners and four-time tournament Finalists, India will start their journey in the tournament with their Group A match against Bangladesh on Thursday (February 20). On Sunday (February 23), India will face Pakistan in Dubai. New Zealand will be their last group stage challenge, which has been scheduled for March 2. 

If India finish among the top two of the final Group A points table, they will play the Semi-final in Dubai on March 4, which also has a reserve-day. If India qualify for the Final, the Final will be played in Dubai on March 9, which also has a reserve-day.