Hardik Pandya Confirms Suryakumar Yadav as Mumbai Indians Captain for IPL 2025 Opener vs CSK

Mumbai Indians will have Suryakumar Yadav leading the team in their IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings on 23rd March in Chennai, as Hardik Pandya serves a one-match suspension.

The MI skipper was handed the ban for a slow over-rate violation during MI’s final game of the 2024 season against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. Since it was his third offence last year, Hardik was also fined 30% of his match fee. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed Hardik’s absence, saying, "We have been officially communicated that he (Hardik) has to miss (the first game)." Hardik, who spoke about the situation at MI’s pre-season press conference, admitted he hadn’t realized the full consequences of the slow over-rate at the time. 

"That is out of my control. Last year what occurred is part of the sport. We bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that point, I didn't know the consequences," Hardik said. "It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process. Next season, if they continue or not continue (with this rule), I think that is on the higher authorities. They can definitely see what best can be done." 

In Hardik’s absence, Suryakumar Yadav will step in as captain. Given his experience leading India’s T20 side to a 4-1 series win over England, MI believes he is the ideal choice for the job. "Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well," Hardik said. 

While Suryakumar brings leadership experience, his recent form with the bat has been underwhelming – he managed just 38 runs in five innings during the England series. MI will hope that the added responsibility of captaincy brings out the best in him. Adding to MI’s early-season challenges, Jasprit Bumrah will also be unavailable for the opening match as he continues to recover from a lower-back injury that has kept him out since January. Bumrah is expected to miss multiple games, but MI is hopeful he will return for the second half of IPL 2025. 

Also Read: Full List of Players Who are Ruled Out of IPL 2025