Hardik Pandya to Serve One-Match Ban
Suryakumar Yadav has been named the stand-in captain for Mumbai Indians (MI) in their IPL 2025 season opener, as regular skipper Hardik Pandya will be serving a one-match suspension due to a slow over-rate penalty from IPL 2024.
MI Confirms Hardik’s Absence
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the development during a press meet in Mumbai.
“We have been officially communicated that he [Hardik] has to miss [the first game],” said Jayawardene.
Hardik on the Ban: “Didn’t Know the Consequences”
Reflecting on the penalty, Hardik Pandya admitted he was unaware of the strict consequences of a slow over-rate.
“Last year what occurred is part of the sport. We bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that point, I didn’t know the consequences,” he said.
He acknowledged that while the suspension is unfortunate, he will comply with the rules and leave it to the authorities to decide on future regulations.
Suryakumar: The Ideal Choice
Hardik expressed confidence in Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership, citing his experience as India’s T20I captain.
“Surya, obviously, leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I’m not there, he is the ideal choice in this format,” Hardik added.
MI’s IPL 2025 Opening Fixtures
Mumbai Indians kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on March 23. They will be missing both Hardik and Jasprit Bumrah, who is still recovering from a lower-back injury. Bumrah is expected to miss multiple games.
Hardik will return for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s first home game is scheduled against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on March 31.
A Tough Road Ahead
MI had a disappointing IPL 2024 season, finishing last with just four wins in 14 matches. With a fresh start in 2025, Suryakumar will look to lead MI to a strong opening performance in Hardik’s absence.
