Hardik Pandya Confirms Suryakumar Yadav Will Lead Mumbai Indians in First Their First IPL 2025 Match vs Chennai Super Kings

IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya confirms Suryakumar Yadav would be leading the side in their first game against Chennai Super Kings . Hardik would be missing MI's opener due to the one-match ban levied on him last season due to slow-over rate. This would be a major setback for the side as they would have loved a full-strength unit for the opener against CSK just to set the tone. MI play their IPL 2025 opener against CSK on March 23. 

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It is not that SKY would be new to the role of leading a side. He has led the national side in the past and is able-enough to put up a good show. MI would like to come up with the goods this year after a forgetful 2024 season. It would be interesting to see the XI that is fielded for the game. 

‘Lucky that I have three captains’

"Suryakumar Yadav is India's T20I captain. So, it is ideal for him to lead the MI team in my absence in the first game against CSK," Hardik said during press conference. 

"I am lucky that I have three captains playing with me -- Rohit, Surya & Bumrah. They always place an arm around my shoulder & are there when I need any help," Pandya added. 

"Getting Trent Boult was very important to us. Deepak Chahar too. We wanted an experienced bowling lineup so that when the pressure comes we have players who have felt it before," he added further. 

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Hardik as MI Captain

Hardik was retained by MI for a whopping Rs 16.35 crore. MI, under the leadership of Hardik, could only manage to win four out of 14 matches in IPL 2024 and with 8 points, finished at last (10th).

Hardik was retained by MI for INR 16.35 crore.