Suryakumar Yadav To Lead MI Against CSK In Season Opener

Suryakumar Yadav is all set to handle the captaincy duties of the Mumbai Indians in their team's season opener against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings at Chepauk on Sunday( March 24). Regular skipper Hardik Pandya is unavailable due to a slow over-rate imposed on him during the ending stages of IPL 2024. Pandya was found to have breached the Slow-over rate rule thrice last year.

With Jasprit Bumrah too unavailable for this game due to injury, Suryakumar Yadav's appointment isn't a surprise as he is the National team's captain in the shortest format after Rohit Sharma retires from the format post the T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya announced this decision while addressing the Press conference sitting alongside head coach Mahela Jayawardene.

Hardik On Suryakumar Yadav

"SKY leads Team India in the T20I format, he'll also lead the Mumbai Indians in the first game against Chennai Super Kings"

There are three other experienced heads in the Mumbai camp in terms of captaincy experience. Rohit Sharma, who won 5 titles with Mumbai Indians (2013,2015,2017,2019 & 2020) has led the side in 11 seasons. Rohit took the reins from Ricky Ponting in 2013 & led the side till IPL 2023. Surya captains the side in T20Is, meanwhile, Bumrah has led team India in the red-ball format.

Hardik on Rohit, Sky & Bumrah

"I am Lucky, to have all three in my side, it adds experience to the side, all three of them are proven leaders, if I need him they are there to help me around, They can put their arm around my shoulder & help me out whenever needed, I look at this situation this way."

Hardik will be available for the second game of the season, away at Gujarat Titans. They will then play their first home game at the Wankhede Stadium on March 31 against Kolkata Knight Riders.