Suryakumar Yadav Suddenly Becomes Mumbai Indians' Captain Right Before IPL 2025

With regular captain Hardik Pandya serving a one-match suspension for his role in the team's final IPL 2024 encounter, Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their debut IPL 2025 match.

On March 23, MI will play their first match in Chennai against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In MI's final league match of the 2024 Indian Premier League versus the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), Hardik was penalized for MI's slow over-rate.

Hardik received a one-match suspension for his upcoming IPL match and a fine of INR 30 lakh because it was his third offense of the season.

Suryakumar Yadav to captain vs CSK confirms Mumbai Indians

"We have been officially communicated that he [Hardik] has to miss [the first game]," Mahela Jayawardene, the MI head coach, said in a press meet in Mumbai on Wednesday.

With Jasprit Bumrah also unavailable due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav's candidature isn't a surprise, especially since Suryakumar Yadav has taken over the reins of T20I captaincy in the last year.

Out of my control: Hardik Pandya on one-match suspension

Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians captain, stated that he accepted the punishment for the slow over-rate and that things are out of 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. 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,” Hardik Pandya said.

"Suryakumar Yadav leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I'm not there, he is the ideal choice in this format.,” Hardik added.

Rohit Sharma, the Mumbai Indians' most successful captain, is part of a solid leadership group. Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I skipper, has been trusted by MI to win their crucial opening match against the Chennai Super Kings.

Hardik Pandya is to join the team in the 2nd game

Hardik Pandya will be available for MI's second away game against Gujarat Titans (GT) in Ahmedabad on March 29. Two days later, on March 31, MI will play their maiden home game against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

The first week of April will see them play two games: LSG in Lucknow on April 4 and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at home on April 7.

MI only won four of their fourteen games, finishing worst in the 2024 Indian Premier League.

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