Sun Feb 09 15:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Axar Patel’s Dropped Catch Mars India’s Second ODI Against England
**Cuttack, India:** India’s Axar Patel dropped a straightforward catch during the second ODI against England in Cuttack, sparking disappointment among the Indian team and providing a talking point in the match. The incident occurred in the sixth over when England opener Phil Salt attempted a ramp shot off Hardik Pandya, sending a simple catch to Axar at third man. However, the ball inexplicably slipped through the all-rounder’s grasp. Despite the missed opportunity, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar offered sympathy, acknowledging that even top-class fielders can drop catches.
Despite the dropped catch, England’s openers, Salt and Ben Duckett (who was also dropped by Axar earlier in the innings), provided a strong start, posting 81 runs in the first 10 overs before Salt was dismissed for 26 by debutant Varun Chakravarthy. India made two changes to their side, bringing in Chakravarthy for Kuldeep Yadav and reinstating Virat Kohli in place of Yashasvi Jaiswal. England also made three changes, with Mark Wood, Gus Atkinson, and Jamie Overton replacing Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, and Jofra Archer respectively. Tom Banton has been added to the squad as cover for the injured Bethell.
England captain Jos Buttler won the toss and elected to bat first, expressing optimism about their chances on what appeared to be a dry wicket. India’s Rohit Sharma, meanwhile, highlighted the team’s positive energy and performance in the first ODI, noting the contributions of Shubman Gill and Axar himself. The match continues.
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