New Delhi, March 23 -- Mumbai Indians are forced to leave Hardik Pandya out of their playing XI against Chennai Super Kings in their IPL 2025 campaign opener on Sunday at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Having been a pillar at Mumbai Indians, save 2022 and 2023, Hardik Pandya grew in stature to become India's most trusted all-rounder and was elevated to captaincy last year, replacing Rohit Sharma.

Hardik Pandya's absence from the game against CSK is a result of a one-match ban imposed on him due to Mumbai Indians' slow-over rate against Lucknow Super Giants in their final game last season.

It was Mumbai Indians' third over-rate violation in 14 matches of IPL 2024, thus putting the axe on the captain for a match. In the absence of Hardik Pan...