IPL 2025: Why Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in opener
What's the story
Star batter Suryakumar Yadav is set to captain Mumbai Indians in their first match of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
This follows regular captain Hardik Pandya's one-match ban, which he received last season.
The five-time champions will begin their 2025 campaign against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 23, with Suryakumar at the helm.
Penalty details
Suspension due to slow over-rate
Pandya's suspension is due to a slow over-rate penalty during IPL 2024 season. It was his third such violation, which led to a ₹30 lakh fine and a one-match ban that carries over into the current season.
According to Sportstar, Suryakumar, who has previously led the Mumbai side in a match, will take over from Pandya for their opener.
Captaincy record
Pandya's journey as IPL captain
Pandya was named the full-time captain of the Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024, replacing Rohit Sharma.
The former has led in 45 IPL matches, winning 26 and losing 19 with no ties. His captaincy record shows a winning percentage of 57.7%.
He also led Gujarat Titans to the title in their debut season (2022).
However, during his time with MI in IPL 2024, the team finished last on the table after winning only four of their 14 matches.
Information
SKY leads Team India in T20Is
It is important to note that Suryakumar leads Team India in T20I cricket. He took over from Rohit Sharma, who retired after leading the side to the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup title. Suryakumar was ahead of Pandya in the pecking order.
Probable XI
MI's Probable XI without Pandya, Bumrah
With Pandya set to miss MI's opener, a lot depends on Suryakumar and Rohit. All-rounder Arjun Tendulkar can be a like-for-like replacement for Pandya.
Meanwhile, MI will likely miss the injured Jasprit Bumrah as well.
Probable XI: Rohit Sharma, Ryan Rickelton (wicket-keeper), Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Robin Minz, Naman Dhir, Arjun Tendulkar, Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, and Trent Boult.