Mon. 07 Apr 2025
☁️ 1°C in Dublin
🎮 Games
Date: 19-mar-2025
The Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to begin their IPL 2025 campaign under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, as regular captain Hardik Pandya serves a one-match suspension. This development comes ahead of their high-profile opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23, 2025, at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Hardik Pandya incurred a one-match ban due to a slow over-rate offense during MI's final league game in the IPL 2024 season against the Lucknow Super Giants. This was MI's third over-rate violation of the season, leading to Pandya's suspension for the opening match of the subsequent season. Reflecting on the incident, Pandya stated:
"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. It is unfortunate, but the rules say it. I will have to go with the process."
In Pandya's absence, Suryakumar Yadav, who has previously led the Indian national team in T20 internationals, will take on the captaincy role for MI. Pandya expressed confidence in Yadav's leadership abilities, mentioning:
"Suryakumar Yadav leads India as well. When I'm not there, he is the ideal choice in this format."
The absence of both Hardik Pandya and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who is sidelined due to a back injury, presents challenges for MI. Head coach Mahela Jayawardene acknowledged the situation:
"Not having him [Bumrah] is a challenge...it's also an opportunity for someone else to step up and show what they are capable of."
Despite these setbacks, the team remains optimistic, relying on their experienced core and the leadership of players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah (once he returns). Pandya highlighted the advantage of having multiple leaders within the squad:
"I am lucky that I have three captains who are playing with me. It adds more experience. If I require any help, I know that there are three different minds who have led India in different formats with so many years of experience."
Mumbai Indians aim to kickstart their IPL 2025 season on a positive note under Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy. The team is focused on adapting to the challenges and leveraging the depth of their squad to compensate for the temporary absences of key players.
Date: 18-Mar-2025
Lionel Messi confirmed his absence from Argentina’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Uruguay and Brazil due to an adductor injury, expressing disappointment over missing the crucial matches.
Date: 20-Mar-2025
Sunil Chhetri marked his international return in style, scoring in India’s 3-0 win over Maldives, breaking a 12-match winless streak. India dominated the friendly in Shillong, with Rahul Bheke and Liston Colaco also finding the net.
