Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their first game of the season as regular captain Hardik Pandya is banned from the tournament opener.
Suryakumar Yadav Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya had picked up a ban due to slow over rate last year. He was penalised for maintaining a slow over in the MI's last league game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in 2024.

"That is out of my control. Last year what occurred is part of the sport. We bowled the last over one-and-a-half or two minutes late. At that point I didn't know the consequences," Hardik said. "It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process. Next season, if they continue or not continue [with this rule], I think that is on the higher authorities. They can definitely see what best can be done.

"Surya, obviously, leads India [in T20Is] as well. When I'm not there, he is the ideal choice in this format."
Mumbai Indians will miss the service of both Jasprit Bumrah and their regular skipper Hardik Pandya in the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Chennai on March 23.

However, Pandya will be available from the second game, which is set to be played against Gujrat Titans in Ahmedabad on March 29.