Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first match of IPL 2025. Regular captain Hardik Pandya will miss the game due to a one-match suspension.
This suspension comes as a result of Pandya’s team maintaining a slow over-rate during their final league match in IPL 2024. Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of MI, confirmed in a press conference that Suryakumar Yadav would take over the captaincy for the opening game.
Hardik Pandya mentioned that he was unaware of the severe consequences of a slow over-rate in the previous season. He stated that while it was unfortunate, he respects the rules and will comply. He also suggested that higher authorities might need to review the over-rate penalties for future seasons.
‘When I’m not available, Suryakumar is the best choice to lead the team in this format,’ Hardik acknowledged, recognizing Suryakumar’s leadership abilities, especially as he also captains India in T20 Internationals.
Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai for their first game on March 23. Besides Hardik Pandya, MI will also be without Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a back injury and is expected to miss more than just the first match.
Hardik Pandya received a one-match ban and a fine of INR 30 lakh because the slow over-rate offense in the match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) was his third of the IPL 2024 season.
Pandya is expected to return for MI’s second match on March 29 against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad. Their first home game is scheduled for March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). They will then play LSG in Lucknow on April 4 and RCB at home on April 7.
Mumbai Indians had a disappointing IPL 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the table with only four wins out of fourteen games.
