Suryakumar Yadav to lead Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 opener
Mumbai Indians (MI) have announced that Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team in their opening match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This decision comes as regular captain Hardik Pandya serves a one-match suspension due to a slow over-rate offence from the previous season.
The suspension stems from MI’s last game in IPL 2024, where the team was found guilty of maintaining a slow over-rate for the third time that season. As a result, Pandya received a ₹30 lakh fine and a one-match ban, which carries over to the current season.
In Pandya’s absence, MI’s head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that Suryakumar Yadav would lead the team in the opener against CSK. Pandya expressed confidence in Yadav’s leadership abilities, noting, “Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well.”
Yadav, who has been leading India’s T20I side recently, brings valuable leadership experience to MI. His aggressive approach and fearless batting make him a fitting choice to lead the team in what promises to be a thrilling opening clash.
Looking ahead, Pandya is set to return as captain for MI’s second match, an away fixture against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29. The team will aim to start their campaign on a positive note under Yadav’s leadership in the opener against CSK.
