The Mumbai Indians will play their IPL 2025 season opening against the Chennai Super Kings, their bitter rivals, in Chennai, captained by Suryakumar Yadav. Due to a one-match ban he received at the end of the previous season for his slow over rate, regular captain Hardik Pandya is unable to play in this match.
Given that Suryakumar has assumed the role of T20I captain in the past year and that Jasprit Bumrah is also out by injury, his candidacy is not shocking. During the preseason press conference, which he attended with head coach Mahela Jayawardene, Hardik revealed that Suryakumar would be captaining the CSK game.
India is also led by Suryakumar Yadav. When asked who will be the stand-in captain for the big match, Hardik said he would captain the Mumbai Indians in the opening game.
The Mumbai Indians team has three consistent captains with a track record of success. Currently leading the national squad in Tests and ODIs, Rohit Sharma has captained India in all formats. Additionally, from 2013 to 2023, he led the Mumbai Indians for 11 seasons. The current captain of India for Twenty20 Internationals is Suryakumar, followed by Test captain Jasprit Bumrah.
"I am fortunate," Hardik remarked. "Three captains are playing with me. To the side, it adds extra experience. I am aware that there are three distinct brains with years of experience who have led India in various capacities in case I need assistance." "They can put the arm around my shoulder and always be there for me," he continued. That's how I see it.
Hardik is available for the season's second game, which is against the Gujarat Titans. On March 31, they will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders in their first home game at the Wankhede Stadium.