IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav to captain MI in opener vs CSK, confirms Hardik Pandya

IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav to captain MI in opener vs CSK, confirms Hardik Pandya

In Short

• Hardik Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians' first game due to an over-rate ban
• Mumbai will take on Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Sunday, March 23
• Hardik Pandya said Suryakumar will lead in his absence

Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai on Sunday, 23 March, as captain Hardik Pandya confirmed on Wednesday. Hardik will miss the first match of the season due to an over-rate ban he incurred in their final game of the IPL 2024 season.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that the Mumbai Indians camp had been officially informed about Hardik Pandya's ban, thereby confirming that the all-rounder will sit out the first game in Chennai.

"Yeah, Surya obviously leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format (to lead). He is an exciting option as well," Hardik Pandya said.

Mumbai Indians have a strong leadership group, which includes their most successful captain, Rohit Sharma. However, MI have entrusted India's T20I captain, Suryakumar, to get the job done in their high-stakes opener against Chennai Super Kings.

IPL 2025 Coverage | IPL Points Table | IPL Schedule

LUCKY TO HAVE THREE CAPTAINS WITH ME: HARDIK

Hardik expressed his gratitude for sharing the dressing room with brilliant cricketing minds, adding that he would not hesitate to seek guidance from Rohit, Suryakumar, and Jasprit Bumrah. MI will miss Bumrah for at least the first two weeks of IPL 2025 with the fast bowler recovering from an injury.

"I am lucky that I have three captains playing alongside me. It adds to my confidence. If I need help, I know there are three other strategic minds who have led India in different formats. They possess a wealth of experience. They can put an arm around my shoulders and support me. That is how I see it," he said.

When asked whether he believed the over-rate rule should be reconsidered, Hardik stated that it was beyond his control and that he would be more cautious with over rates in the IPL 2025 season.

"That is out of my control. What happened last year is part of the sport. We bowled the last over two minutes late. At that point, I didn't fully understand the consequences. But that is what the rule states, and we have to adhere to it," he said.

I AM ALWAYS CONFIDENT: HARDIK

Having returned to Mumbai Indians in 2024 following a surprising trade move from Gujarat Titans, Hardik endured a challenging season as captain. The all-rounder faced boos from a section of Mumbai Indians fans unhappy with him replacing Rohit Sharma. MI's on-field performances also suffered as they finished at the bottom of the points table.

Hardik highlighted that triumphs in the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy had boosted both his and his teammates' morale in the lead-up to the IPL 2025 season, adding that he remained as confident as ever heading into the new challenge.

"I was confident then (in 2024). I was confident when I was playing in the Champions Trophy. I am confident now. If you ask me about my confidence, it is always going to be high," he said.

Hardik will be available for selection during Mumbai Indians' second game -- against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29.