Mumbai Indians (#MI) will begin their #IPL2025 campaign with Suryakumar Yadav as their stand-in captain. Regular skipper Hardik Pandya will miss the opening match due to a one-match suspension carried over from #IPL2024.
Hardik’s Suspension and Explanation
Hardik’s suspension stems from a slow over-rate violation in MI’s last league game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (#LSG). As it was his third offence of the season, he was handed a one-match ban and fined INR 30 lakh.
Speaking on the issue, Hardik admitted he was unaware of the severity of the penalty.
“Last year, we bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that time, I didn’t know the consequences. It is unfortunate, but the rules are there. I have to go with the process,” he said.
Suryakumar to Lead in Season Opener
MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the news in a press conference, saying,
“We have been officially informed that Hardik has to miss the first game. Surya will be leading the side in his absence.”
Suryakumar Yadav, an experienced player and India’s T20I captain in Hardik’s absence, is seen as the ideal choice to lead MI in this crucial encounter.
MI’s Opening Fixtures
MI’s first match is against five-time champions #ChennaiSuperKings (#CSK) in Chennai on March 23. Along with Hardik, the team will also miss star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a lower-back injury and is expected to miss multiple matches.
Hardik will return for MI’s second game against Gujarat Titans (#GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. The team’s first home match will be on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (#KKR). MI will then face LSG in Lucknow on April 4 before hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru (#RCB) on April 7.
Road to Redemption for MI
After a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign where MI finished last with just four wins in 14 games, the team will be eager to make a strong comeback this season. Under Suryakumar’s leadership in the opener, MI will look to start IPL 2025 on a winning note.
#MumbaiIndians #MIvsCSK #SuryaKumarYadav #HardikPandya #IPL2025
