Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians’ appointed captain, will be missing from their first IPL 2025 game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23. As MI did not bowl their overs three times in IPL 2024 within the given time frame, Pandya gets a one-match ban. Given that MI’s last game of the prior season saw the third offense, his suspension carried on to IPL 2025.

Should Hardik be away, who would captain MI?

MI has two competitors vying for the first match captain title—Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma—without a clear vice-captain. Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit, captain of MI for five IPL titles, before IPL 2024. Still, he did not quit the franchise and instead chose not to start before the mega-auction of IPL 2025, therefore there was no team strife within.

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MI is rumoured to officially designate this Rohit’s last game as captain to celebrate his many years of service to the team.

Playing XI has no Arjun Tendulkar?

Starting off the season, Arjun Tendulkar is not probable to make it into MI’s playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult are expected to front the pace assault, supported by Deepak Chahar.

Rohit Sharma should start with Will Jacks at bat. Tilak Varma, who stood out at No 3 for Team India, will try to keep his IPL form. Robin Minz is forecast to start his IPL run, and Suryakumar Yadav will seek middle-order management.

Mumbai Indians Likely playing XI against CSK:

Mumbai Indians likely playing XI for first match vs CSK: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Will Jacks, Tilak Varma, Suryakumar Yadav, Raj Bawa, Robin Minz, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult, Karn Sharma, Mitchell Santner

MI will aim to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign on a strong note against CSK by fielding a well-balanced squad that combines experienced players with promising young talent.