Kolkata : Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya won’t be participating in the first match for Mumbai Indians against their rivals Chennai Super Kings on March 23, 2025 due to a ban. As a result, MI have announced new skipper for that match.
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Why is Hardik Pandya banned from the first match against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025?
Pandya was banned for one match for his repeated over-rate offences last year. MI were deemed short of the required over rate in their last match in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. Captain Hardik was also penalized with a 30% fine on his match fee, as it was his third offence last year. Therefore, as per rules, he is penalized with Rs 30 lakh fine and one-match suspension.
When asked about the one-match suspension, Hardik said it was beyond his control. “That is out of my control. Last year what occured is a part of the sport. What happened is that we bowled the last over 2-2.5 minutes late. At that time, I was not aware of the consequences. It was unfortunate but rules say it so I have to go with the process. Whether the penalty should continue in the next season or not, it is on the higher authorities.”
Who’ll captain Mumbai Indians in First Match against Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2025 ?
Mumbai Indians announced that vice captain Surya Kumar Yadav, who’s also India’s T20I skipper will lead the franchise in 1st Match against Chennai Super Kings. The ban on Pandya will be lifted after this match and then he’ll return to his duty as actual skipper.
“Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well,” Hardik said in MI’s pre-season press conference in Mumbai on Wednesday.
Pandya also went on to say, “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”.
MI have won 5 IPL titles till now but have been trophyless since 2021. They’ll like to bounce back strong this year after finishing at the bottom last season.
