Hardik Pandya to miss CSK opener due to one-match ban, Suryakumar Yadav to lead

Mumbai: Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will miss the team's much-anticipated IPL 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday due to a one-match suspension.

Hardik's absence stems from a slow-over rate offence during MI's final group-stage game against Lucknow Super Giants last season. It marked MI’s third over-rate violation in 14 matches, resulting in an automatic suspension for the skipper.

The 31-year-old allrounder, who assumed captaincy of MI from Rohit Sharma last season, stated that Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I men’s national team captain, will lead the franchise against CSK in his absence.

"Surya will be the ideal choice when I am not there," Hardik said during the pre-season press conference.

Returning to MI after a two-year stint with Gujarat Titans, Hardik's reappointment as captain was met with immense anticipation. He previously led GT to the IPL title in 2022 and to the final in 2023. However, MI’s 2024 campaign under his leadership ended in disappointment, as the team finished at the bottom of the table with four wins from 14 matches.

Despite the underwhelming performance, MI's management retained faith in Hardik for the 2025 season.

Currently ranked No. 1 in the ICC Men’s T20I Rankings for allrounders, Hardik enters the new season riding on a series of successes. He played a crucial role in India’s triumph at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and recently contributed significantly to India's 2025 Champions Trophy victory.