Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of IPL 2025, as regular skipper Hardik Pandya serves a one-match ban. Hardik’s suspension stems from maintaining a slow over rate in MI’s final league game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Since it was his third offence of the season, Hardik received a one-match suspension and a fine of INR 30 lakh.
Addressing the situation at a press conference in Mumbai, Hardik said, “That is out of my control. Last year, we bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. I didn’t know the consequences then. It’s unfortunate, but those are the rules. I’ll go with the process. Whether the rule continues or not next season depends on the higher authorities.”
Hardik expressed confidence in Suryakumar, saying, “Surya leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I’m not there, he is the ideal choice in this format.”
MI’s opening game is against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on March 23. Hardik will return for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI will then play their first home game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31. Their packed schedule continues with an away match against LSG on April 4, followed by a home game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) on April 7.
MI will be without Hardik and the injured Jasprit Bumrah for the opener, adding to their early challenges. After finishing last in IPL 2024, where they won only four out of 14 games, MI will look to bounce back strongly in IPL 2025.
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