Suryakumar Yadav to Captain Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025 Opener Against CSK

With Hardik Pandya serving a one-match ban and Jasprit Bumrah injured, Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in their season opener in Chennai

Suryakumar Yadav will step in as Mumbai Indians' captain for their IPL 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. Regular skipper Hardik Pandya is unavailable for the match due to a one-game suspension handed to him at the end of the previous season for maintaining a slow over rate.

With Jasprit Bumrah also sidelined due to injury, Suryakumar's appointment comes as no surprise, given his experience leading India in T20Is over the past year. Hardik confirmed the decision at MI's pre-season press conference, where he was accompanied by head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

"Suryakumar Yadav captains India as well, so he will lead Mumbai Indians in the first match," Hardik stated when asked about the stand-in skipper for the highly anticipated clash.

Hardik will return to captain the team for their second match, an away fixture against Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29.