![Hardik Pandya with MI Team [Source: @ShamimSports/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1742367279614_Hardik_And_Surya.jpeg?type=mq)
Hardik Pandya with MI Team [Source: @ShamimSports/X.com]
In a significant development, Suryakumar Yadav will lead Team Mumbai Indians in their first IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23. This news was confirmed by MI’s regular captain, Hardik Pandya, who will miss the game due to a one-match suspension.
Why is Hardik Pandya Banned?
Hardik Pandya received a one-match ban because of a slow over-rate offence in Mumbai Indians’ last game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants. Since it was his third slow over-rate offence of the season, he was fined ₹30 lakh and suspended for one match. This ban carries over to IPL 2025, forcing him to miss the season opener.
Suryakumar Yadav Steps In As Captain
With Hardik unavailable, Mumbai Indians have decided to hand the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav. MI’s head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, confirmed that the team was officially informed about Hardik’s suspension and had to make this temporary change.
Hardik also backed Surya’s leadership, saying, “Surya has already led India in this format. When I am not there, he is the perfect choice to lead the team. He’s an exciting option as well.”
Notably, Surya is the current captain of the Indian team in the T20Is where his leading the side very well. The star batter has also led MI in a solitary IPL match, back in 2023.
With Suryakumar leading the side, Mumbai Indians will aim for a strong start to the season against their arch-rivals, CSK.
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