Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first game of IPL 2025, as regular captain Hardik Pandya is serving a one-match ban. The ban is due to his team’s slow over-rate in their final league match of IPL 2024.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed in a press conference that Suryakumar would lead the team for the opening game, stating that they have been officially informed about Hardik’s suspension.
Hardik Pandya mentioned he was unaware of the slow over-rate consequences from the last season’s game. He acknowledged it’s out of his control and he must adhere to the rules. He hopes the authorities will review the rule for future seasons.
Hardik praised Suryakumar as the ideal choice to lead the team in his absence, especially in the T20 format, noting Suryakumar’s experience captaining India in T20Is.
Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai for their first match on March 23. Besides Hardik, they will also be without Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury and is expected to miss more than just the first game.
Hardik received the one-match suspension and a fine for the slow over-rate during their last IPL 2024 league game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). It was his third slow over-rate offense of the season.
He will be available for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. Their first home game is on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the IPL 2024 table, winning only four of their 14 matches.
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