New Delhi: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to begin on March 22 with an exciting clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) will kickstart their campaign on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. However, MI captain and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will not be playing in this match due to a one-match suspension.
Why is Hardik Pandya Banned for One Match?
Hardik Pandya returned to Mumbai Indians as captain in the previous IPL season (2024), but the team’s performance was disappointing as MI finished at the bottom of the points table. Adding to the woes, Mumbai Indians were penalized for slow over-rate three times under Pandya’s leadership, with the third instance occurring in a match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
According to IPL rules, if a team is found guilty of a slow over-rate three times in a season, the captain is fined ₹30 lakh and faces a one-match suspension. Since MI did not qualify for the playoffs last season, the penalty could not be enforced immediately. As a result, Hardik Pandya will serve his ban in Mumbai Indians’ opening match of IPL 2025 against CSK.
Who Will Lead Mumbai Indians in Hardik Pandya’s Absence?
With Hardik Pandya suspended for the first match, the question arises: Who will captain Mumbai Indians against CSK?
Jasprit Bumrah, one of MI’s key players, is uncertain for the initial matches due to injury concerns. This leaves two major contenders for the captaincy role – Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma.
- Suryakumar Yadav has an impressive T20 international captaincy record, leading Team India in 18 matches, of which they won 14. Given his recent leadership experience, he is a strong candidate to take charge.
- Rohit Sharma, the former MI captain, remains a fan-favorite choice and has led MI to five IPL titles. However, MI’s management has not made an official statement regarding his potential return as captain.