IPL 2025 Shocker: Hardik Pandya Banned, New Captain Steps Up for Mumbai Indians

In a stunning turn of events ahead of IPL 2025, Hardik Pandya has been slapped with a ban, leaving Mumbai Indians scrambling to regroup. Stepping into the void, a new captain has emerged to lead the franchise, setting the stage for a dramatic season opener." "The IPL 2025 season is off to an explosive start with Hardik Pandya’s unexpected ban rocking Mumbai Indians. As fans reel from the news, the team has swiftly appointed a fresh face to take the helm, signaling a bold shift for the five-time champions.

Edited By: Madhulika Rai

Last Updated : 19 March 2025, 03:35 PM IST

Suryakumar (File)

Mumbai Indians Captain : Mumbai Indians' regular captain Hardik Pandya is suspended for one match for the team's slow over rate violation inthe last Indian Premier League ( IPL ) season, due to which he will not be able to play the first match of the current phase, due to which Suryakumar Yadav will take over the captaincy in this match. Mumbai Indians will play their first match against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

IPL 2025 Shocker

]Suryakumar is the captain of the national T20 team and led the team to a 4-1 win over England at home recently. However, his batting form was not so impressive and he scored just 38 runs in five matches during the series. "Suryakumar also captains the Indian team. He is the ideal choice when I am not there," Pandya said during the Mumbai Indians pre-season press conference here.

IPL 2025 twist

Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said the BCCI has informed the team about the one-match ban imposed on Pandya after his side committed three 'slow over-rate' breaches last season.

Hardik Pandya Banned

Mumbai Indians suffered 10 defeats while managing just four wins in 2024 and this was Pandya's first year as captain. Pandya was made the captain in place of Rohit Sharma who has led the team to five trophies.

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