March 19, 2025: India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will step up to lead Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of the IPL 2025 season against the defending champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The match will take place on Sunday, March 23, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This decision comes in the absence of regular MI captain Hardik Pandya, who has been handed a one-match ban following a slow over-rate penalty during their last match in IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
This is the third time that Pandya has been penalized with a one-match ban and a fine of Rs. 30 lakh for slow over-rates. In a press conference, Pandya addressed the issue, stating that he was aware the last over was bowled nearly two minutes late, but emphasized that it wasn’t entirely in his control.
“That is out of my control. 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,” Pandya said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
Despite the setback, Pandya made it clear that he accepted the rule and said that Suryakumar Yadav, who also leads India in T20Is, is the “ideal choice” to lead the Mumbai franchise in his absence.
“It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process. Next season, if they continue or not continue [with this rule], I think that is on the higher authorities. They can definitely see what best can be done. Surya, obviously, leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I’m not there, he is the ideal choice in this format,” said Pandya.
Mumbai Indians confirmed the change in leadership on their official social media, writing: “SKY (CAPTAIN) for our opening match vs CSK” with a post on X.
Suryakumar Yadav has been in excellent form for India, and his leadership abilities have been praised by many in the cricket world. The IPL 2025 season opener will now see him lead MI in what promises to be an exciting clash against CSK, with both teams aiming for a strong start to the season.
Mumbai Indians’ squad for IPL 2025 includes star players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult, and several new additions. The squad is packed with talent, and Suryakumar Yadav will be looking to lead them to a successful start despite the absence of their regular captain.
As MI fans eagerly await the season opener, the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav brings a new sense of optimism for the franchise in the IPL 2025 campaign.