The Indian team’s victory over Bangladesh by 6 wickets in the Champions Trophy 2025 was a notable one, but what’s still got everyone talking is Akshar Patel’s near-miss of a hat-trick. If he had managed to complete it, he would have made history. Captain Rohit Sharma’s dropped catch in the slip, which would have given Akshar his third wicket, is still a sore point for fans.
Akshar was brought into the attack in the 9th over, and he didn’t waste any time, taking the wickets of Tanjid Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim on the second and third balls. The fourth ball seemed destined to bring him his third wicket, as it edged off Jaaker Ali’s bat and headed towards the slip, only for Rohit Sharma to let it slip through his fingers. This was agonizingly close for Akshar, and it would have been a significant achievement.
Achieving the Feat Would Have Made History
If Akshar had completed his hat-trick, he would have become the first Indian spinner to achieve this feat in an ICC event. So far, no Indian spinner has managed to take a hat-trick in such a significant tournament. Moreover, Akshar was making his debut in an ICC ODI event, and if he had succeeded, he would have been the first player to take a hat-trick in their debut match in the ICC ODI event. This would have marked a remarkable beginning to his career in major international competitions.
A Second Indian Spinner to Achieve the Feat
Currently, Kuldeep Yadav is the only Indian spinner who has taken a hat-trick in the ODI format. If Akshar had completed his hat-trick, he would have become the second Indian spinner to do so, joining an exclusive club. The Champions Trophy has only seen one hat-trick in its history, which was achieved by West Indies fast bowler Jerome Taylor in 2006 against Australia. Akshar Patel would have become part of this select group, had he managed to hold onto that catch. Despite the missed opportunity, Akshar’s performance was a bright spot in the match, showcasing his potential as a key player for the Indian team in the future.