Why Is Hardik Pandya Not Playing In CSK vs MI IPL 2025 Match?

Hardik Pandya is not playing today's MI vs CSK match [Source: IPLT20.com]

In a significant development, Chennai Super Kings have won the toss and opted to field first in their first IPL 2025 match against arch-rivals Mumbai Indians at M.A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. At toss, CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad stated that they would bowl first in order to capitalise on the playing conditions. 

Why Has Hardik Pandya Been Banned In IPL?

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians' regular skipper Hardik Pandya won't participate in this high-voltage clash. In Pandya's absence, Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in this match. 

It's worth mentioning that Pandya was found guilty of over-rate offence in the last IPL season. That's why he was sanctioned one-match ban, due to which he is not playing MI's first match of the season against CSK. 

So, in all likelihood, Pandya will be back in action for MI in their next group-stage game against Gujarat Titans at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have included Ryan Rickelton, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner and Trent Boult as their four overseas players. 

CSK vs MI: Playing XIs

CSK playing XI: Ruturaj Gaikwad (c), Rachin Ravindra, Deepak Hooda, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Sam Curran, MS Dhoni (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Noor Ahmad, Nathan Ellis, Khaleel Ahmed

MI playing XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav (c), Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Satyanarayana Raju

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