![3 potential Hardik Pandya replacements [Source: @iplt20.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739783009665_3potentialHardikreplacements.jpg?type=tq)
3 potential Hardik Pandya replacements [Source: @iplt20.com]
So, it is inevitable, Hardik Pandya in all likelihood will miss Mumbai Indians' IPL 2025 opening fixture Vs arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The MI captain had three offences last season for slow over-rates, and as per the IPL code of conduct, the skipper gets banned for one-match after three offences in a season.
However, MI didn't qualify for the playoffs and hence, the ban was carried forward to the upcoming season. MI will play their opening match Vs CSK, and Hardik will most likely miss the contest and the 5-time champions need to find a captain for the crucial tournament opener.
With no Hardik Pandya, MI have plenty of captaincy choices, but here are 3 players who can fill in the shoes for the clash Vs the team from Chennai.
1) Suryakumar Yadav
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 22 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Loss | 4 |
| NR/Tied | 0/1 |
The captain of the India T20I team, Suryakumar Yadav now has wealth of experience leading a team in the T20 format and has been successful with the Indian team. As a T20I captain, he has an undefeated streak, and should be the front-runner to lead MI against arch-rivals, Chennai Super Kings.
He is calm and composed, just like Rohit Sharma, and this trait will benefit MI since their tournament opener is against their biggest rival and wining this match will significantly boost their morale.
2) Jasprit Bumrah
Injured at the moment, but if Jasprit Bumrah is 100% fit for the CSK clash, he could also be a solid choice to lead the Mumbai Indians. Bumrah, recently showcased his captaincy skills in the Test series Vs Australia, where he helped the team defeat the Aussies in Perth.
His tactical brilliance was lauded by experts and when Rohit Sharma opted out of the Sydney Test, Bumrah was once again made the captain. He is shrewd as a leader and it was proven when under his leadership, India outclassed Australia in the 1st Test, and when he was not the captain, the same Aussie side dismantled the Indian team with ease.
He has never captained MI in the past, but to win a tactical battle against a brilliant CSK side, Bumrah could be the answer for MI.
1) Rohit Sharma
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 163 |
| Wins | 91 |
| Loss | 68 |
| Win Percentage | 55.82m |
The greatest ever Mumbai Indians captain, Rohit Sharma has helped MI win 5 IPL titles and has been a success for the franchise.
However, for some reason, he was removed from the captaincy and Hardik was appointed the leader ahead of last season. The former skipper has an impeccable record as MI captain - winning 91 matches out of 163, with a win percentage of 55.82. Against CSK, he has always done well as the captain and could be the last dice which MI could throw against CSK.
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