IPL 2025: Suryakumar Yadav to Lead MI Against CSK in Hardik Pandya’s Absence

Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya on March 19 confirmed that Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). The India T20I captain will step in as Pandya serves a one-match suspension for maintaining a slow over rate last season.

"Surya is India’s T20 captain and in my absence, he is the perfect choice," Hardik stated during the press conference.

The last time Suryakumar led Mumbai Indians in the IPL was back in 2023. He stepped in for Rohit Sharma against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and made an impact, scoring a quick 25-ball 43 to help MI secure a win at Wankhede Stadium. Hardik will be back as captain for MI’s next game on March 29, when they take on Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.

Suryakumar’s Captaincy Record: Unbeaten in T20I Series So Far

Suryakumar was appointed India’s T20I captain after Rohit Sharma stepped away from the format. Rohit had led India to a memorable T20 World Cup triumph last year in Barbados, with Hardik Pandya playing a crucial role in their incredible comeback against South Africa in the final.

Since taking over as captain, Suryakumar has led India in T20I series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and South Africa. He is yet to lose a series as skipper. So far, he has captained India in 22 T20Is, with the team winning 18 of those matches under his leadership.

MI Squad for IPL 2025

Hardik Pandya (C), Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult, Naman Dhir, Robin Minz, Karn Sharma, Ryan Rickelton, Deepak Chahar, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Will Jacks, Ashwani Kumar, Mitchell Santner, Reece Topley, Krishnan Shrijith, Raj Bawa, Satyanarayana Raju, Bevon Jacobs, Arjun Tendulkar, Corbin Bosch, Vignesh Puthur.

Mumbai Indians Full Schedule for IPL 2025