By Zainab Shafiq 
Mumbai Indians (MI) will kick off their IPL 2025 campaign under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav in regular captain Hardik Pandya’s absence. He serves a one-match ban for a slow over-rate violation during the previous season. The announcement was made by MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene during a press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Hardik’s absence stems from an incident in MI’s final IPL 2024 game against Lucknow Super Giants, where the team bowled their last over one-and-a-half minutes late. This marked Hardik’s third over-rate offence of the season, resulting in a one-match suspension and a hefty INR 30 lakh fine. Reflecting on the incident, Hardik admitted he was unaware of the consequences at the time. “It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process,” he said.
Pandya says SKY is an ‘ideal choice’ for captaincy
Suryakumar Yadav, who also captains India in T20Is, has been named as the stand-in skipper for MI’s opening clash against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23. “Surya is the ideal choice in this format when I’m not there,” Hardik added, expressing confidence in his deputy’s leadership.
The team will also miss the services of star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who continues to recover from a lower-back injury that has sidelined him since January. Bumrah is expected to miss more than one game, adding to MI’s challenges early in the season.
MI’s IPL 2024 campaign was a forgettable one, with the team finishing last after winning just four out of 14 matches. As they aim for redemption in 2025, the absence of Hardik and Bumrah in the opening game will test their depth and resilience.
Pandya’s Absence Won’t Last Long, Set to Return for Mumbai Indians vs Gujarat Titans
Hardik will return for MI’s second game against Gujarat Titans on March 29, followed by their first home match against Kolkata Knight Riders on March 31. The team will then face Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in early April, hoping to turn their fortunes around.
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