New Delhi: Mumbai Indians are set to face a challenging start in IPL 2025, with two key players missing the initial matches. Jasprit Bumrah might be unavailable due to injury, while captain Hardik Pandya is banned from playing the first match. Mumbai Indians will begin their campaign against Chennai Super Kings on March 23 at MA Chidambaram Stadium. If you’re wondering why Pandya is facing a ban even before IPL 2025 has started, here’s the full story.
Hardik Pandya’s IPL Journey and Return to Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya started his IPL career in 2015 with Mumbai Indians and remained a key player for the franchise until 2021. In 2022, he moved to Gujarat Titans as their captain and led them to their maiden IPL title in their debut season. In 2023, he once again guided Gujarat Titans to the final, where they lost to Chennai Super Kings. After two successful seasons with Gujarat, Pandya made a sensational return to Mumbai Indians in November 2023 and took over the captaincy for IPL 2024.
Why is Hardik Pandya Banned for Mumbai Indians’ First Match?
During IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians were penalized three times for maintaining a slow over-rate under Hardik Pandya’s captaincy. As per IPL rules:
- First offense: The captain is fined ₹12 lakh.
- Second offense: The captain and the rest of the team are fined ₹12 lakh each.
- Third offense: The captain faces a ₹30 lakh fine and a one-match ban, while other players are also fined.
The third slow over-rate violation occurred against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024, leading to Hardik Pandya’s suspension for Mumbai Indians’ opening match of IPL 2025.
When Will Hardik Pandya Return?
Due to the suspension, Pandya will miss Mumbai Indians’ first match against Chennai Super Kings but will be available for the team’s second match. His absence is a setback for MI, but fans eagerly await his return to lead the franchise once again.