Hardik Pandya will lead the five-time champion Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL). Hardik had a terrible start in his first season as MI captain, as the side only won four of their 14 games and placed last in the IPL 2024 Points Table.
Ahead of the 2024 tournament, there were also rumors of a cold war-style dispute between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya regarding a leadership change.
But since the franchise is beginning over, Pandya thinks it is a really lucky situation for him to have players like Rohit, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, and India’s ODI and Test vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah in the squad. In addition, he feels fortunate that Pandya knows that the leadership core of the MI setup will always be there to support him in whatever way.
“Having three captains playing with me is a blessing. Thus, it gives me more and more experience. I am aware of three distinct minds who have led India in various capacities in case I need assistance. They can wrap their arm around my shoulder and always be there to help because they have so much experience. Thus, that’s how I see it,” Hardik stated during Wednesday’s preseason news conference in Mumbai.
“I’m lucky that I have three captains (Rohit, Bumrah & Surya) playing with me.” – HP 🗿
And we’re lucky to have you all together! 💙#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai pic.twitter.com/iLK2fGIQD7
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 19, 2025
MI’s captain versus CSK will be Suryakumar Yadav.
Notably, the player from Choryasi will not be eligible to play in their March 23 first-round matchup against the Chennai Super Kings. Actually, because of his slow over-rate in the 2024 edition, Pandya was suspended for one match and would not be allowed to play in the next encounter. While he is away, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the team before returning the reins to the regular captain.
Hardik will be hoping to put up a great performance against his old team when they play Gujarat Titans in their second game of the season on March 29 at Ahmedabad’s massive Narendra Modi Stadium.
India
