Suryakumar Yadav to Lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Opener as Hardik Pandya Serves Suspension
Suryakumar Yadav to Lead Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Opener as Hardik Pandya Serves Suspension
Mumbai Indians (MI) will be led by Suryakumar Yadav in their opening match of IPL 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, as regular captain Hardik Pandya serves a one-match suspension for a slow over-rate offence from IPL 2024.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the development during a press conference in Mumbai, stating, “We have been officially communicated that he [Hardik] has to miss the first game.”
Hardik expressed his disappointment over the ban, stating, “That is out of my control. Last year, we bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that point, I didn’t know the consequences. It is unfortunate, but the rules are in place.”
The all-rounder received the suspension after his third slow over-rate offence in IPL 2024, when MI played against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Along with the ban, he was also fined INR 30 lakh.
MI will also be without key pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a lower-back injury. Bumrah is expected to miss more than one match.
Following their season opener in Chennai, MI will face Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29, with Hardik returning to the squad. Their first home match is on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), followed by games against LSG (April 4) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (April 7).
MI had a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, finishing last with just four wins in 14 games. The team will aim for a strong start in IPL 2025 under Suryakumar’s leadership.
