On Sunday, March 23, the Mumbai Indians will play their opening IPL 2025 encounter against the Chennai Super Kings in Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium, captained by Suryakumar Yadav.
Hardik Pandya, MI’s regular captain, will not play in the season opener since he received a one-match suspension for his repeated over-rate infractions from the previous season. In their last IPL 2024 encounter against the Lucknow Super Giants at Wankhede Stadium, MI was judged to have fallen short of the necessary over rate. Since it was his third infraction of the previous season, captain Hardik was additionally hit with a 30% punishment on his match fee.
“Surya leads India as well. Hardik stated during MI’s preseason news conference in Mumbai that “he is the perfect choice in this format and an exciting one as well when I am not there.”
Hardik said he did not influence the one-match punishment when questioned about it. “I have no control over that. What happened last year is a part of the sport. We bowled the last over two and a half minutes late. I was unaware of the repercussions at the time. I had to follow the procedure even if it was regrettable. The higher authorities will decide whether or not the penalty should be applied in the upcoming season.
The team recently defeated England 4-1 at home under the leadership of Suryakumar, the national T20 captain. Nevertheless, he only scored 38 runs in the five appearances he made during the series due to his poor batting record.
Mahela Jayawardene, the head coach of MI, stated that the BCCI informed the squad of Pandya’s one-match suspension since his club committed three slow over-rate infractions during the previous season.
In 2024, Pandya’s first season as captain, MI finished last in the league with only four victories against ten defeats. He replaced Rohit Sharma, who was having trouble at the time but had guided the team to five titles.
Hardik stated that they only need to play quality cricket if they want to make things better. “It’s not too difficult. All we have to do is support one another, stay close, and play terrific cricket with a big smile.
On March 29, Hardik will be available for the Mumbai Indians’ second game against the Gujarat Titans.
Jasprit Bumrah To Miss Start Of IPL
Jayawardene disclosed that the comeback date of Jasprit Bumrah, the ace fast bowler, is still uncertain. Bumrah is now at the NCA after missing the Champions Trophy due to a back injury sustained during the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January of this year.
At the NCA is Jasprit Bumrah. We must wait to find out what they think of him. At MI’s preseason news conference here on Wednesday, Jayawardene stated, “It is going well right now; the progress is on a day-to-day basis.” “He is in a pleasant mood, and it is difficult to be without him. “He is the world’s best bowler,” he said.
Although Bumrah’s comeback is unknown, MI captain Hardik Pandya stated that it will benefit him to have a seasoned player like the 30-year-old in the locker room.
In the first week of April, Bumrah is anticipated to connect with his Mumbai teammates and may continue his recuperation with the group. “I am fortunate to have Rohit, Surya, and Bumrah as my three captains. They are there for me whenever I need assistance and always put an arm over my shoulder,” Pandya remarked.
