Suryakumar Yadav steps up as MI captain against CSK amid Pandya suspension

Suryakumar Yadav will step in as captain for the Mumbai Indians in their opening IPL match against the Chennai Super Kings this Sunday.

Regular skipper Hardik Pandya will miss the game due to a one-match suspension for over-rate offenses from last season. Suryakumar, who also leads the national T20 side, recently led India to a 4-1 home series victory against England. Despite the team's success, his personal performance was underwhelming, with just 38 runs across five matches.

"Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice," Pandya commented at the MI pre-season press conference.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene confirmed that the BCCI has imposed the one-match ban on Pandya due to three slow over-rate violations by MI last season.

The team finished at the bottom of the table in 2024, registering only four wins against ten losses during Pandya's debut year as captain. He had succeeded Rohit Sharma, who had previously led MI to five trophies but was facing challenges at the time.

Jayawardene also addressed concerns over Jasprit Bumrah's absence, citing it as a significant "challenge" for MI in the IPL 2025. Bumrah is recovering from a back injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and will miss the initial games of the tournament. "Jasprit Bumrah is at the NCA, and his recovery is being monitored daily," said Jayawardene.

Bumrah, regarded as one of the world's top bowlers, has been sidelined since January following a Test match against Australia in Sydney. His return remains uncertain, but there's hope for his presence in the MI dressing room as a guiding force.

Expected to join the team in early April, Bumrah might continue his rehabilitation with MI. Pandya expressed appreciation for the experienced figures around him.

"I'm fortunate to have three captains with me - Rohit, Surya, and Bumrah. They're always supportive and available when I need guidance," he remarked.