Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya might miss his team’s opening match in IPL 2025 due to a one-match suspension that was not executed in IPL 2024. Mumbai is set to face Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, but Pandya will not be available for selection. The all-rounder’s suspension stems from multiple over-rate offenses in IPL 2024. During the previous season, Mumbai Indians committed three over-rate violations, leading to Pandya’s eventual ban. His final infringement came in MI’s last group-stage match against Lucknow Super Giants, which resulted in a fine of ₹30 lakh and an automatic one-match suspension. Since Mumbai did not qualify for the playoffs, the penalty probably will be carried over to IPL 2025. In a statement released by IPL after the match, it was said, “Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on May 17. As it was his team’s third offence of the season under the IPL’s Code of Conduct relating to minimum over rate offences, Pandya was fined ₹30 lakh and banned from playing the team’s next match.” Even Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were also fined 50 percent of their respective match fees. Pandya’s absence will be a significant setback for Mumbai Indians, who have already faced criticism for their performance last season not only for poor performance but also for crowning Hardik Pandya, sidelining Rohit Sharma. The franchise finished in the bottom half of the points table, winning just four out of 14 matches. Read also: IPL 2025 Fixtures Announced: Get Ready for Non-Stop Cricket Action Who Will Lead MI in Pandya’s Absence? With Pandya unavailable for the season opener, the big question is—who will captain Mumbai Indians against CSK? There are several possible candidates. Senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who has previously captained India in Test cricket, is a strong contender. However, his workload management might be a concern. Another option is star batter Suryakumar Yadav, who recently led India in T20Is and is known for his aggressive approach. The biggest name in contention is former captain Rohit Sharma. Having led Mumbai to five IPL titles, Rohit remains a fan favorite, despite being replaced by Pandya as skipper last season. If the management decides to go back to experience, Rohit could temporarily take over for the first match. Hardik Pandya will be eligible to return for Mumbai’s second match on March 29 against Gujarat Titans. Until then, MI will have to adjust their strategies without their designated leader. With the tournament’s biggest rivalry kicking off early, Pandya’s absence will surely be a talking point among fans and analysts alike.