New Delhi: After an unbeaten campaign in ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Team India lifted the trophy under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. The Men in Blue delivered a stellar performance throughout the tournament and emerged as champions. Now, the Indian team is set to play its next international series in June 2025  a five-match Test series against England.

Before that, all Indian players will participate in IPL 2025, which kicks off on March 22, with the final scheduled for May 25. One of the key players in India’s Champions Trophy-winning squad, Hardik Pandya, will once again lead Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025. He has officially joined the MI camp on March 11 after returning from Dubai with the trophy.

Mumbai Indians Welcomes Hardik Pandya with a Special Video

Hardik Pandya played a crucial role in India’s Champions Trophy 2025 triumph, contributing with both bat and ball. He showcased his all-round abilities, playing small but impactful innings with the bat while also bowling crucial overs as the second pacer.

After returning to India on March 10, Pandya wasted no time and joined Mumbai Indians’ training camp on March 11. Mumbai Indians, excited about their captain’s return, posted a special video welcoming him to the squad.

Mumbai Indians to Play Their First Match Without Hardik Pandya

Mumbai Indians will

kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at CSK’s home ground, MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, MI will be without their captain Hardik Pandya for this match.

The reason? A one-match suspension imposed on him due to Mumbai Indians’ slow over-rate violations in IPL 2024. Since MI breached the slow over-rate rule three times last season, Pandya received a one-match ban, which will be enforced in their first game.

With Hardik Pandya out of the opening match, all eyes will be on who will lead Mumbai Indians in his absence. Last season, under Hardik’s captaincy, MI failed to qualify for the playoffs, making this season crucial for both the team and its captain.