India, March 19 -- Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their first match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23 (Sunday). Regular captain Hardik Pandya will miss MI's season opener as he was banned for one match for his repeated over-rate offences last year. MI were deemed short of the required over rate in their last match in IPL 2024 against the Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. Captain Hardik was also slapped with a 30% fine on his match fee, as it was his third offence last year.

"Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well," Hardik said in MI's pre-season press conference in Mumbai on W...