Sun Feb 09 15:20:00 UTC 2025: **Axar Patel’s Dropped Catch Costs India Early Breakthrough in Second ODI Against England**
Cuttack, India – A costly dropped catch by Indian all-rounder Axar Patel marred India’s start to the second ODI against England in Cuttack on Sunday. The incident, occurring in the sixth over, saw Patel fail to hold a simple catch offered by England’s Phil Salt off the bowling of Hardik Pandya. Salt, who had initially struggled, capitalized on the let-off, going on to score 26 before being dismissed.
The dropped catch, which left Pandya visibly distraught, allowed England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Salt, to build a crucial 75-run partnership in the powerplay. Duckett, in particular, thrived, smashing his way to a half-century. While Patel was later seen laughing about the missed opportunity, commentators noted his likely internal disappointment. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar described the catch as “simple” while Murali Kartik suggested Patel’s outward amusement masked inner frustration.
Despite the early setback, India eventually broke the partnership, with debutant Varun Chakravarthy removing Salt. The match continues.
First Piper 