New Delhi: Mumbai Indians (MI) will be without their captain, Hardik Pandya, when they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their first match of the IPL 2025 season on March 23. Hardik-led MI committed three slow over-rate offences in IPL 2024, with the third violation occurring in their final game of the season. As a result, his one-match suspension has been carried forward to IPL 2025, ruling him out of the high-profile clash against CSK.
Stand-in Captaincy: Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav?
With Hardik unavailable, MI will need a stand-in captain for the game, and the two leading contenders for the role are Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav. However, the franchise has yet to announce a vice-captain or confirm the stand-in skipper for the match. There is speculation that MI could honour Rohit by allowing him to lead one last time, as he was removed from the captaincy ahead of IPL 2024 following Hardik’s return to the franchise. Rohit, who led MI to five IPL title wins, did not get a formal farewell as captain, and the CSK match could serve as a symbolic send-off.
No Rift Between Rohit Sharma and MI Management
Despite being replaced as captain, Rohit remained with MI and did not seek a release before the IPL 2025 mega-auction, indicating that there are no internal conflicts within the team. MI retained their core squad, including Rohit, Hardik, Suryakumar Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Tilak Varma, as they aim to reclaim the IPL title this season.
Arjun Tendulkar Unlikely to Feature in Playing XI
Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar is unlikely to be included in MI’s playing XI at the start of the season. The franchise has a strong pace attack, with Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult expected to lead the charge, alongside Deepak Chahar, who could make his MI debut.
MI’s Batting Line-Up and Key Players
Rohit is expected to open the batting with England’s Will Jacks, while Tilak Varma, who has been impressive at No. 3 for Team India, will look to replicate his success for MI. Suryakumar Yadav will be the key batter at No. 4, and young wicketkeeper-batter Robin Minz is likely to make his IPL debut this season.
MI’s Probable Playing XI vs CSK
MI’s likely playing XI for their opening match against CSK includes Rohit Sharma (Captain), Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, and Mitchell Santner.
MI Aim for a Strong Start Despite Hardik’s Absence
With a well-balanced squad and strong leadership options, MI will aim to start their IPL 2025 campaign on a winning note despite Hardik Pandya’s absence.
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