Suryakumar Yadav will captain Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 in Chennai, with regular skipper Hardik Pandya unavailable due to suspension.
Pandya is serving a one-match ban imposed at the end of last season for maintaining a slow over rate. Mumbai will also be without star pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined with an injury.
Suryakumar’s leadership comes as no surprise, given his recent experience captaining India in T20Is. Pandya confirmed the decision during a pre-season press conference alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene.
“Suryakumar Yadav leads India as well. He will captain Mumbai Indians in the first match,” Pandya said when asked about the leadership role for the high-profile fixture.
Mumbai Indians have three players with captaincy experience. Rohit Sharma, who led the franchise from 2013 to 2023, currently captains India in Tests and ODIs, while Bumrah has previously led the national team in Test cricket.
Reflecting on the leadership depth in the squad, Pandya expressed his appreciation.
“I am lucky,” he said. “I have three captains playing with me. It adds more experience to the side. If I require any help, I know that there are three different minds who have led India in different formats.”
“They can put the arm around my shoulder and always be there for me. I look at it that way,” he added.
Pandya will return for Mumbai Indians’ second match against Gujarat Titans before the team plays their first home fixture at Wankhede Stadium on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The IPL 2025 season begins on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.
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