Rohit Sharma says sorry with folded hands after India captain's dropped catch denies Axar Patel maiden ODI hat-trick

India spinner Axar Patel, on Thursday, stood on the verge of history at the Dubai International Stadium. Only four India bowlers have thus far picked up a hat-trick in ODI cricket, one of them being a spinner (Kuldeep Yadav - twice), but none came at a Champions Trophy. Only once did a bowler pick up a hat-trick in the history of the 50-over ICC extravaganza, Jerome Taylor of West Indies in 2006. On Thursday, Axar had the chance to join the former Caribbean pacer but was denied the elusive feat after captain Rohit Sharma dropped an easy catch at first slip during India's Group A game against Bangladesh. Rohit Sharma's reaction after dropping an easy catch

On the second ball of the ninth over, Axar, into his first over in the match, dismissed Tanzid Hasan. The left-hander hung back against the flat ball on a length wide of off to push it through the off side but got a thick outside edge before wicketkeeper KL Rahul completed the formalities. He dismissed the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim on the next ball for a golden duck. The batter lunged forward to block an in-drifter, but the ball spun sharply past the blade, trimmed the shoulder of the bat and landed safely into the keeper's mitts.

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On the hat-trick ball, Rohit put two slips and a leg slip in place, as Axar dished out a similar ball against Jaker Ali. The ball took a thick outside edge and went straight towards Rohit at first slip, but the regulation catch was put down. The 37-year-old was in disbelief and hit the turf repeatedly in anger three to four times before apologising to Axar with folded hands.

Watch Rohit's dropped catch here:

India's impactful show in Powerplay

India lost the toss, but Rohit said the team was looking to field first nonetheless in Dubai. The bowlers executed the plans to perfection, as the two-time champions reduced Bangladesh to five down for just 39 runs in the powerplay.

Mohammed Shami drew first blood, picking up two quick wickets, dismissing Soumya Sarkar and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He now has 20 wickets in ICC ODI matches since 2015, the second-most after Trent Boult, at an incredible strike rate of 19.8. Harshit Rana picked the other wicket, while Axar scalped two.

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