Wed Mar 19 21:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Suryakumar Yadav to Captain Mumbai Indians in IPL Opener
**Mumbai, India** – Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Mumbai Indians (MI) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai. This was confirmed by MI captain Hardik Pandya at a pre-season press conference, alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene. Pandya is serving a one-match ban for a slow over-rate violation from the previous season.
Yadav’s appointment comes as no surprise, given his recent ascension to the T20I captaincy for India and the unavailability of Jasprit Bumrah due to injury. The MI squad boasts three experienced captains: Rohit Sharma, the former MI and current India Test and ODI captain; Bumrah, who has captained India in Tests; and Yadav himself. Pandya expressed his confidence in his team’s leadership depth, stating that having three former national captains provides valuable experience and support.
Pandya, who will return for MI’s second match against Gujarat Titans, commented on his ban, acknowledging the penalty but maintaining it was a consequence he had to accept. He will miss the marquee clash against CSK, but MI are in capable hands under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership for the season opener. MI’s first home game is scheduled for March 31st against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium.
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