ipl 2025

 Suryakumar Yadav is named the new captain of the Mumbai Indians following Hardik Pandya's exclusion from the CSK match in the IPL 2025.

Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener against CSK, with Hardik Pandya serving a one-match suspension for slow over-rate.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their first IPL 2025 match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 (Sunday) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Hardik Pandya, MI's regular captain, will not play in the season opener because he was suspended for one game last year for multiple over-rate offenses. 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.

"Surya also leads India. During MI's pre-season press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday, Hardik stated, "He is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well."

Hardik responded that he was not responsible for the one-game suspension. “That is out of my control.  What happened last year is part of the sport. We bowled the final over two and a half minutes late. I had no idea what would happen at the time. It was unfortunate, but the rules state that I must follow the procedure. The higher authorities will decide whether or not the penalty should be applied in the following season.

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 stated that all they needed to do to turn things around was play good cricket. "It doesn't take much science. We just need to play good cricket with a big smile, stay close to each other, and support each other."

On March 29, Hardik will be available for the Mumbai Indians' second game against the Gujarat Titans. Jasprit Bumrah won't play in the 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 must wait to hear what they have to say about 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 it is difficult to live without him. 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.

In the first week of April, Bumrah is expected to connect with Mumbai colleagues and may 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.