Suryakumar Yadav to captain Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Opener

Suryakumar Yadav will step up as Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captain for their opening game of IPL 2025, with regular skipper Hardik Pandya unavailable due to a one-match ban. The penalty stems from MI’s slow over-rate in their final IPL 2024 match, which resulted in Hardik’s third offence of the season.

MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed the news during a press conference in Mumbai, explaining that they had been officially informed of Hardik’s suspension. “Suryakumar will lead the side in the first game,” Jayawardene said.

Hardik, speaking on the matter, expressed his regret over the slow over-rate issue, explaining that he was unaware of the repercussions at the time. “The situation is unfortunate, but the rules are in place, and I will follow them,” Hardik commented. He also acknowledged Suryakumar’s leadership abilities, citing his role as captain of the Indian T20I team.

The Mumbai Indians will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on March 23 without both Hardik and star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who continues to recover from a back injury. Bumrah is expected to miss several games as he works his way back to full fitness.

Hardik will be eligible to return for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29. MI’s home opener will follow on March 31, when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders.

Last season, Mumbai finished at the bottom of the IPL standings, winning just four of their 14 matches.