Hardik Pandya was found three times guilty during IPL 2024 due to a slow over rate.
According to the rules, the captain who violates the slow over rate thrice is banned from the next match.
Hardik Pandya’s third violation took place in the last league match of IPL 2024, so his ban will now be applicable in the first match of IPL 2025.

Now the question was who would be the captain of Mumbai Indians? Hardik Pandya himself answered this.
Hardik confirmed that in the first match of IPL 2025, Suryakumar Yadav will captain and remain the entire season Vice Captain.

Hardik Pandya’s statement

Hardik Pandya said in the press conference:
“In the absence of my absence in the first match, Suryakumar Yadav will also take over the team.”

Hardik Pandya became the captain of Mumbai Indians last season, but now he will not be seen playing in the first match.

Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – first match of IPL 2025

Mumbai Indians will play their first match on 23 March.
The competition will be against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
The match will be held at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

This match will be very special, as both teams have won the IPL Trophy 5-5 times.
CSK last won the title in 2023, while Mi became the champion in 2020.

This match is also called the ‘L Classico’ of the IPL, as CSK and Mi collide is always high-voltage.