Not Hardik Pandya, This Star Will Mumbai Indians in MI vs CSK match | IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai for CSK vs MI match from 7:30 PM IST.

Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Mumbai Indians in the first match of the IPL 2025 season. Hardik Pandya, the regular skipper, is serving a one-match ban and will be absent for the opening game.

“Surya leads India as well. When I am not present, he is the best option in this format and an exciting one,” Hardik stated on March 19 during Mumbai’s pre-season news conference in Mumbai.

The Mumbai Indians will play their first match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. Team India’s current T20I skipper previously led the Mumbai Indians in one IPL match in 2023.

Hardik Pandya has been suspended for one match for sustaining a sluggish overrate against Lucknow Super Giants in the Mumbai Indians’ final IPL game of the 2024 season. This was his third offense, resulting in a ₹30 lakh fine and a suspension lasting until the 2025 season begins.

Pandya’s Captaincy Record

Hardik was named the Mumbai Indians’ full-time captain in 2024. He succeeded Rohit Sharma, who had guided the squad to five IPL victories. MI supporters, who adored HITMAN as their captain, were not pleased with the decision.

Hardik has captained 45 IPL games, winning 26 while losing 19. His record indicates a victory rate of around 57.7%. However, his captaincy in Mumbai paints a different image.

Mumbai finished last in the IPL 2024, winning four out of fourteen matches. With 10 defeats and a -0.318 NRR, they finished with only 8 points.

Before that, Hardik Pandya captained the Gujarat Titans for two seasons. GT won the trophy in the first season and finished second in the next season under Hardik’s leadership.

Mumbai Indians expected XI for MI vs CSK

Mumbai are set to have a balanced lineup of experienced and youth against MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings. With Rohit, SKY, and Bumrah leading the way, Robin Minz and Will Jacks offer flair to the Mumbai Indians lineup.

MI Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Will Jacks, Mitchell Santner, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma.

Also Read: IPL 2025 team players list, captains and injury replacements