Suryakumar Yadav to lead Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener with captain Hardik Pandya suspended | Cricket News

File picture of Suryakumar Yadav (AFP Photo)

Mumbai Indians‘ (MI) captain Hardik Pandya‘s one-match suspension for his group’s over-rate offence in the final season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will carry ahead to the upcoming version, which makes the all-rounder unavailable for his group’s season opener in opposition to Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.
Suryakumar Yadav will, thus, do the captaincy obligation as confirmed by Hardik throughout a press convention on Wednesday, the place he was accompanied by the group’s coach Mahela Jayawardene.
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“Suryakumar Yadav leads India as well. He will lead Mumbai Indians in the first match,” mentioned Hardik, whereas replying to a query on his suspension.
“I am lucky that I have three captains playing with me – Rohit (Sharma), Surya and (Jasprit) Bumrah. They always place an arm around my shoulder and are there when I need any help,” he added.
However, it is nonetheless not sure when Bumrah will return match from his again damage to be a part of the MI squad. At the second, he stays on the National Cricket Academy (NCA), which was confirmed by Jayawardene.
“We have to wait and see what NCA’s feedback on him (Bumrah) is. He is still there and in good spirits, hopefully he can join the team sooner,” mentioned the coach. “Not having him is a challenge…it’s also an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they are capable of.”

Hardik was additionally requested about his views on whether or not he thinks the rule ought to change and an offence from a earlier season should not have a bearing on the following season.
“That is out of my control,” mentioned the MI captain. “Last year what occurred was part of the sport; we were one and a half or two minutes late in the last over. I didn’t know the consequences at that time. It’s unfortunate, but rules say this. So I have to go with the rules. Next year (whether) they will continue with this rule or not, that is up to the higher authorities.”
MI have not gained their first match of an IPL season since 2012, and the absence of Hardik and Bumrah could make it harder for the group to change that stat.
“We have a tough challenge ahead,” mentioned coach Jayawardene.