Mumbai Indians have confirmed that Hardik Pandya will miss the first game of IPL 2025, announcing his captaincy replacement.
Suryakumar Yadav will stand in for regular captain Hardik Pandya for the first game of this season, against Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23.
Surya, the third-highest run-getter for Mumbai Indians, will be filling in for Hardik, who has been suspended for one match due to an over-rate suspensionhe accrued in the last league game of IPL 2024.
Hardik is expected to be available for subsequent fixtures, starting with their game against Gujarat Titans on March 29 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The news was confirmed by Hardik himself at the pre-season press conference for Mumbai Indians. Hardik said: "Suryakumar Yadav leads India as well. He will lead Mumbai Indians in the first match of IPL 2025". Hardik was accompanied by head coach Mahela Jayawardene at the press conference.
Suryakumar, India's current T20I captain, has led the team in 22 matches, winning 17 of them and losing four.
He has also been stand-in captain for the Mumbai Indians, filling in for Rohit Sharma during IPL 2023 and leading them to a win.
Pandya: Lucky that I have three captains playing with me
Hardik also acknowledged the sound leadership group around him, saying: "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". Hardik took over captaincy from Rohit ahead of IPL 2024, joining the franchise back from Gujarat Titans.
He added: "SKY has scored a lot of runs over the years. For me, he is batting brilliantly. He has been a proven match-winner for India and Mumbai Indians."
MI finished bottom of the points table in the 2024 season, winning just four out of 14 matches.
