Indian international cricketer Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings.The match will be held at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23 (Sunday).
Meanwhile Hardik Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians season opener as he was banned for one match for his repeated over-rate offences last year. MI were deemed short of the required over rate in their last match in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow SuperGiants at the Wankhede Stadium. Captain Hardik was also slapped with a 30% fine on his match fee, as it was his third offence last year.
Mumbai Indians Leadership Depth
However, despite Pandya’s absence, Mumbai Indians boast a wealth of leadership experience. This includes Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah available as pro cricketers. Meanwhile, Bumrah will miss the early games due to a back injury. Pandya praised the squad’s leadership depth, noting the advantage of having multiple former Indian captains.
A Fierce Rivalry
The season opener between Mumbai and Chennai is set to be a highly anticipated clash, as both teams are five-time IPL champions. Mumbai’s head coach, Mahela Jayawardene, emphasised the importance of squad balance and experience in their quest for another title. He acknowledged the challenges of winning an IPL trophy and highlighted the strategic squad-building approach Mumbai had adopted.
Mahela said, “We have to wait and see what NCA’s feedback on him (Bumrah) is. He is still there and in good spirits, hopefully he can join the team sooner,” said the coach. “Not having him is a challenge…it’s also an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they are capable of.”
Suryakumar Takes Charge
Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 captain, has been in good form recently. He led India to a 4-1 series win over England. Despite a quieter batting series for himself, scoring only 38 runs in five matches, he remains an ideal choice for the Mumbai captaincy. Pandya expressed confidence in Suryakumar’s leadership ability in his absence.
What did Hardik say?
Hardik during MI’s pre-season press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday said, “Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well.”
Hardik also said, “That is out of my control. Last year what occurred was part of the sport; we were one and a half or two minutes late in the last over. I didn’t know the consequences at that time. It’s unfortunate, but rules say this. So I have to go with the rules. Next year (whether) they will continue with this rule or not, that is up to the higher authorities.”
