Why will Hardik Pandya miss Mumbai opening game vs CSK?
Hardik Pandya, the captain of Mumbai Indians, will miss the team’s IPL 2025 opening match against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. This highly anticipated clash between two IPL giants will see Mumbai starting their campaign without their skipper due to a disciplinary issue from the previous season. Let’s take a look at Why will Hardik Pandya miss Mumbai opening game vs CSK.
Why Is He Not Leading?
Pandya’s absence stems from an incident in Mumbai Indians’ final group-stage match of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants on May 17 at Wankhede Stadium. During that game, MI led by Pandya, breached the IPL’s over-rate rules for the third time in the season. The IPL Code of Conduct imposes strict penalties for such repeated offenses a captain faces a one-match suspension after the third violation, alongside a INR 30 lakh fine.
Pandya was then penalized, but since Mumbai didn’t reach the playoffs, the ban was carried forward to their first game of 2025. An IPL media release last year confirmed this, noting that teammates like Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were also fined lesser amounts INR 12 lakh or 50 percent of their match fees for the same breach. This ruling ensures Pandya watches the opener from the sidelines.
How Will MI Cope?
With Pandya unavailable, Mumbai Indians have turned to Suryakumar Yadav, India’s current T20I captain, to lead the side in this crucial encounter. Suryakumar brings experience and tactical nous, supported by a talented squad. Facing a formidable CSK team at Chepauk, Mumbai will rely on their depth and collective firepower to compensate for Pandya’s absence.
The team’s strategy will likely focus on maintaining composure and leveraging their batting and bowling strengths. Pandya is set to return for their second game against Gujarat Titans on March 29, leaving fans hopeful for a strong start despite the early setback.
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