Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya can’t wait to get back to Wankhede Stadium for the 2025 IPL season.
After a tough season where MI ended up at the bottom and Hardik had an okay performance with 216 runs and 11 wickets in 14 games, Hardik said they’re focused on getting everything right this time.
Just play good cricket, stick together, follow the plan, and go out there and do it, Hardik said at the pre-season press conference. With this team, with all the talent we have, we’re just looking forward to enjoying the games.
This year is a completely fresh start. Things are different now, there’s more of a positive vibe. I’m excited about the passion and challenges. My main thing is to help the team however I can. I’m ready! Pandya said.
Pandya won’t be playing in MI’s first game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), so Suryakumar Yadav will be captain for that match. SKY was captain for MI in one IPL game back in 2023.
Suryakumar Yadav is also a captain for India. He will lead Mumbai Indians in the first game of IPL 2025. I am fortunate that I have three captains playing with me – Rohit, Surya and Bumrah. They are always there to support me, Pandya said at the press conference with head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Wednesday.
About the MI-CSK game, Jayawardene said, It’s tough for both sides. I always liked this competition and I’m looking forward to it. It gives the team extra energy.
MI is also missing Jasprit Bumrah, who is recovering from a back injury from the Sydney Test in March. Jayawardene said Bumrah is still doing rehab at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. They’re watching him closely every day. He’s getting better and feeling good, so hopefully he’ll be back with the team soon.
