Hardik Pandya confirmed that Suryakumar Yadav would lead MI in their IPL 2025 opener against CSK as he is unavailable due to a one-match ban for slow over-rate.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23 (Sunday). Regular captain Hardik Pandya will miss MI’s 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 Super Giants 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.
Hardik Pandya (C) confirmed Suryakumar Yadav R) will lead MI in IPL 2025 match against CSK(AFP)
“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 said in MI’s pre-season press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
When asked about the one-match suspension, Hardik said it was beyond his control. “That is out of my control. Last year what occured is a part of the sport. What happened is that we bowled the last over 2-2.5 minutes late. At that time, I was not aware of the consequences. It was unfortunate but rules say it so I have to go with the process. Whether the penalty should continue in the next season or not, it is on the higher authorities.”
Suryakumar is the national T20 captain and recently led the side to a 4-1 triumph over England at home. However, his batting form wasn’t particularly impressive and he managed just 38 runs in the five outings during the series.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene said the BCCI has communicated the one-match ban on Pandya to the team owing to three slow over-rate violations by his team last season.
MI had finished at the bottom of the heap, managing just four wins against 10 losses in 2024, which was Pandya’s debut year as captain. He took over from Rohit Sharma, who led the side to five trophies but struggled at that stage.
Hardik said that in order for them to turn things around, they just needed to play good cricket. “It’s no rocket science. We just need to play good cricket with a big smile, stay close to each other, and support each other.”
Hardik will be available for Mumbai Indians’ second match against Gujarat Titans on March 29.
Jasprit Bumrah to miss start of IPL
Ace fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah’s return date is not yet confirmed, revealed Jayawardene. Bumrah, who missed the Champions Trophy after suffering a back injury during the last Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January this year, is currently at the NCA.
“Jasprit Bumrah is at the NCA. We have to wait and see their feedback on him. At the moment, it is going well; the progress is on a day-to-day basis,” said Jayawardene during MI’s pre-season press meet here on Wednesday. “He is in good spirits, and not having him is a challenge. He is the best bowler in the world,” he added.
Bumrah’s return is uncertain, but MI skipper Hardik Pandya said having an experienced campaigner like the 30-year-old in the dressing room will help him.
Bumrah is expected to link with Mumbai colleagues in the first week of April and could continue his rehabilitation with the team. “I am lucky that I have three captains playing with me — Rohit, Surya and Bumrah. They always place an arm around my shoulder and are there when I need any help,” said Pandya.
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