Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their opening match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23 (Sunday). Regular captain Hardik Pandya will miss MI’s season opener since he was banned for one match for his repeated over-rate violations last year. MI were deemed short of the required over rate in their last match in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. Since it was his third offense last year, Captain Hardik also paid a 30% punishment on his match fee.
“Surya leads India as well. Hardik remarked in MI’s pre-season news conference in Mumbai on Wednesday, “when I am not there he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well.”
About the one-match punishment, Hardik said he had no control. “That is not under my influence. Last year what transpired is a part of the sport. We bowled the last over two to two and half minutes late. I had no idea then of the repercussions. It was unfortunate but rules say it so I have to go with the procedure. Whether the penalty should continue in the following season or not, it rests on the higher authorities.”
Suryakumar is the national T20 skipper and recently led the side to a 4-1 success over England at home. However, his batting form wasn’t very remarkable and he managed just 38 runs in the five outings during the series.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene stated the BCCI has informed the one-match punishment on Pandya to the squad owing to three slow over-rate infractions by his team last season.
Pandya’s first year as captain was MI, who had finished at the bottom of the list with just four victories against 10 losses. He took over from Rohit Sharma, who led the side to five trophies but struggled at that stage.
Hardik added that in order for them to turn things around, they just needed to play good cricket. “It’s hardly rocket science. We just need to play terrific cricket with a huge smile, be close to each other, and support one other.”
Hardik will be eligible for the second game Mumbai Indians have against Gujarat Titans on March 29.
Jasprit Bumrah could miss start of IPL
Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s return date is not yet set, stated Jayawardene. Currently at the NCA, Bumrah missed the Champions Trophy after back injury suffered during the last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January this year.
“Jasprit Bumrah is at the NCA. We have to wait and get their opinion on him. At the moment, it is going well; the improvement is on a day-to-day basis,” said Jayawardene during MI’s pre-season press meet here on Wednesday. “He is in good spirits, and not having him is a challenge. He is the best bowler in the world,” he added.
Bumrah’s return is uncertain, but MI skipper Hardik Pandya says having an experienced campaigner like the 30-year-old in the dressing room will benefit him.
Bumrah is set to reunite his Mumbai counterparts in the first week of April and might continue his recovery with the team. “I am lucky that I have three captains playing with me — Rohit, Surya and Bumrah. Pandya stated, “They always lay an arm around my shoulder and are here when I need any help.”