![Why Hardik will not play Vs CSK [Source: iplt20.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739779114806_HardikPandyanottofeatureVsCSK.jpg?type=mq)
Why Hardik will not play Vs CSK [Source: iplt20.com]
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 schedule was released on Sunday and the tournament is set to commence on March 22 with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a mouth-watering contest. On Day 2 of the tournament, the world will witness the El Classico as Mumbai Indians will battle against Chennai Super Kings.
Two of the most successful IPL franchises will go toe-to-toe against each other, however, the Mumbai Indians will not be confident enough heading into the clash. There are doubts on star pacer, Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and their skipper, Hardik Pandya could miss the first game of the season against a strong CSK side.
Why Hardik will miss the first game of IPL 2025
As per IPL Code of Conduct, Hardik Pandya was fined INR 30 lakh for maintaining slow over-rate in MI's final league stage game against Lucknow Super Giants. This was Hardik's third such offence in the 2024 season and as per IPL rules, the captain gets banned from the next match after three such offences.
Since MI didn't qualify for the playoffs, the ban was carried forward in the IPL 2025 season, and hence, Hardik won't be a part of the MI team when they take on CSK in their tournament opener.
In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav is the front-runner, while Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are also a potential options to lead MI in the IPL opener.
MI eager to change their fortunes
MI will be eager to change their fortunes after a poor 2024 season, where they failed to qualify for the playoffs.
Under the new leadership of Hardik Pandya, the team failed to jell together and finished at the bottom of the table, with just 4 wins under their belt.
.jpg?type=mq "Rohit Sharma's Quirky Video 😂")
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
