IPL 2025: Hardik Pandya's Absence Hits Mumbai
The IPL 2025 season promises to be an exciting one, with multiple teams vying for the top spot, and the absence of Hardik Pandya in the first match adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament. With a new captain leading the team, Mumbai Indians will look to make a strong start to the season despite the challenges they face.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is set to kick off on March 22, with a thrilling match between KKR and RCB at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, but Mumbai Indians will have to start their campaign without their captain Hardik Pandya due to a one-match ban.
Pandya was fined INR 30 lakhs and banned for one match for his team's slow over-rate in IPL 2024, which was their third offense under the IPL's Code of Conduct relating to minimum over-rate offenses. As a result, Mumbai Indians will have to find an alternative captain for their first match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on March 23 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah are contenders to lead the team in Pandya's absence.
The IPL 2025 schedule features 74 matches across 13 venues, with the opening match and final being held in Kolkata. The season will see multiple cities hosting exciting fixtures, including Delhi Capitals (DC), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Gujarat Titans (GT). Some teams will play their home matches at multiple venues, and the IPL 2025 Playoffs will be held in Hyderabad and Kolkata.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will enjoy a strong home advantage, playing four of their first six matches at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, while Mumbai Indians have a demanding schedule with no more than two consecutive home games at any point in the season. The reverse fixture between CSK and MI is scheduled for April 20 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
With the tournament featuring a thrilling match between KKR and RCB on the opening day, fans can book tickets online through platforms like BookMyShow and Paytm, or offline at stadium box offices or authorized retail outlets. The absence of Hardik Pandya in the first match will be a significant blow to Mumbai Indians, but they will look to bounce back strong with a new captain at the helm.
