The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is about to begin, but Mumbai Indians (MI) face a challenging start to their season. Their first match is against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23rd.
Sports News: The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is about to begin, but Mumbai Indians (MI) face a challenging start to their season. Their first match is against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23rd. However, Hardik Pandya will neither captain the team nor be part of the playing eleven in this match.
Why is Hardik Pandya Banned?
Hardik Pandya was suspended for one match in IPL 2024 due to repeated slow over-rate offenses. Last season, the Mumbai Indians team was found guilty of slow over rates on three occasions.
The first instance resulted in a fine of ₹12 lakh.
The second offense increased the fine to ₹24 lakh.
The third violation led to Hardik's one-match ban.
This is why he will not be playing in Mumbai Indians' first match.
Who Will Captain MI?
In Hardik Pandya's absence, Suryakumar Yadav is likely to be given the team's captaincy. Although no official announcement has been made by Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar is considered the best contender based on the team management's decision. In the playing eleven, the young all-rounder Robin Minj may replace Hardik. Minj has performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket and may now get a chance to prove himself in the IPL.
Mumbai Indians' Probable Playing Eleven
Rohit Sharma, Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Robin Minj, Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Karn Sharma, Trent Boult, and Corbin Bosch/ Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
