IPL 2025: Not Rohit, Suryakumar To Lead MI Against CSK in Hardik Pandya's Absence

India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians (MI) in their first game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Chepauk on March 23 (Sunday), with MI’s regular skipper Hardik Pandya missing the game due to a slow over-rate ban he picked up last season.

Pandya was found guilty of slow over-rate offences three times last season, suspended for a match, and fined ₹30 Lakh. The penalty came after Mumbai’s last game of the 2024 season, and hence, his suspension will come into effect in the first game of the 2025 season. 

"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. It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process," Hardik said. 

"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."

However, Pandya will be back for MI’s next game against his former franchise Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29.

MI had one of their poorest seasons last year in IPL history, as they finished last on the points table. With their captain already out from the first game and Jasprit Bumrah not being available for the first few matches, it won’t be easy for MI to bounce back and begin their season on a high. 

The fact that they have to travel every alternate game this season and are playing just two consecutive games at their home ground will only increase the challenges.