Skipper Hardik Pandya is expected to miss the Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 opener. He will miss out on the opening game of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), which is scheduled for March 23 at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium because he was banned for one match by BCCI. This article will discuss Hardik Pandya’s ban and its repercussions.

Why BCCI Banned Hardik Pandya for One Match？

Hardik was given a one-match suspension for sluggish overrates in his team’s final IPL 2024 encounter. After finishing the season in last place, Mumbai Indians (MI) faced the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final group-stage match.

HARDIK PANDYA HAS BEEN BANNED FOR ONE MATCH DUE TO SLOW OVER-RATE…!!!!

– He will miss the first match of IPL 2025. pic.twitter.com/XkiTyU1daI

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 18, 2024

For MI’s third slow-over rate violation of the season, Hardik received a Rs 30 lakh fine and a one-match suspension. In addition to the captain, other players Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were penalized 50% of their match fees, or INR 12 lakh, whichever was less. However, both stars are expected to feature in the CSK vs MI 2025 matchup. “As it was his team’s third offense of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offenses, BCCI banned Hardik Pandya and fined the player INR 30 lakhs.” A BCCI release statement read.

Mumbai Indians’s IPL 2024 Journey

Mumbai Indians did not have a great last season, first because of captainship controversy and, secondly, their poor performance on the field. They are at the bottom of the points table, making it hard to imagine they were once back-to-back champions. However, this also highlights the intense unpredictability of the IPL.

Captain Controversy

In a historic transaction, Hardik left the Gujarat Titans (GT) to join the Mumbai Indians. Some MI supporters, however, were not happy about the change, particularly his selection to succeed Rohit Sharma as captain. Hardik’s performance and team leadership were affected by the jeering he received at several stadiums around the nation. As Mumbai looks to start afresh this season, Hardik Pandya’s ban for one match is something they least expected. However, the bigger question now is – who will be the captain of MI in IPL 2025 opener?

Who Will Be Captain of MI in IPL 2025 1st Match？

The question is, who will be the captain in the CSK vs MI 2025 opener, given Hardik Pandya’s ban? According to reports, Rohit Sharma, who led the club to five championships, is vying to captain the squad in the first game. The Mumbaikairs would love to see Rohit back as a skipper in the CSK vs MI 2025 match. Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are also potential candidates for the Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 opener.

Hardik Pandya to Return for 2nd Game After Serving One-Match Ban

Even though BCCI banned Hardik Pandya for the opener, is eligible for the Mumbai Indians’ second match against the Gujarat Titans (GT). The Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the game on March 29. Pandya will only miss out on one game and will be captain of MI in IPL 2025 for the remainder of the season.

Conclusion

Hardik Pandya will miss the first match of IPL 2025.

– He has been banned for maintaining slow overrate. pic.twitter.com/sbtsd5Hv8I

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 18, 2024

All said and done, Pandya now has an ICC T20 World Cup under his belt. He is returning to Mumbai as a national hero and is ready to lead his side once again with some extra motivation in IPL 2025. All eyes will be on Pandya’s resurgence with the Mumbai Indians going into the 2025 IPL season. Hardik Pandya’s ban for one match is just a small event in the mega tournament ahead, and Mumbai Indians will look to get back to their absolute best this season.

Related Match

IPL 2025 3rd match CSK vs MI on March 23 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai