Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has to consume a lot of flak and boos from fans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. However, the IPL 2025 is poised to represent a full-circle moment in Hardik Pandya's career as the star all-rounder has turned the boos into cheers and laurels. The Mumbai Indians' decision to elevate Pandya to captaincy, effectively removing Rohit Sharma from the helm, ignited a firestorm of anger among fans nationwide, particularly at the Wankhede Stadium. Throughout the 2024 season, Pandya faced relentless booing during tosses, batting appearances, and bowling spells, reflecting the deep discontent within the MI camp. This palpable tension contributed to the team's disappointing last-place finish, despite boasting a roster of exceptional talent.
Hardik Pandya's message for Mumbai Indians fans
However, Pandya's fortunes have dramatically shifted since the conclusion of the 2024 IPL. He played a instrumental role in India's T20 World Cup 2024 title triumph that seemed to initiate a turning point. His arrival at the Mumbai airport, trophy in hand, served as a symbolic moment of redemption. Further, he received a warm and enthusiastic ovation from the Mumbai crowd during a subsequent felicitation ceremony. Adding to his recent success, he was also a critical player in India's Champions Trophy 2025 title winning campaign.
In anticipation of the 2025 IPL season, Pandya engaged with the media during a pre-match press conference. During the session, a reporter posed a question regarding widespread claims that Pandya is considered the team's most vital player. In response, the MI captain offered a playful and confident reply, cheekily agreeing with the remark. He also has a message for MI fans ahead of the IPL 2025.
“When I go out to bat, cheer for me, when I hit a six, cheer for me. When I go out for toss, cheer for me. I don't want to see any colour other than our colour (at the Wankhede Stadium). That's all that I wish for," said Hardik in MI's pre-season press conference in Mumbai.
Pandya also revealed that Suryakumar Yadav will lead MI in his absence in the clash against CSK in their IPL 2025 campaign opener.
“Surya leads India as well. When I am not there, he is the ideal choice in this format and an exciting one as well,” he added.
MI are set to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign with a highly anticipated clash against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on March 23. However, Pandya, the team's captain, will be absent from this opening fixture. He is serving a one-match ban, a consequence of accumulating three slow over-rate offenses during the 2024 season.
Mumbai Indians' squad for IPL 2025:
Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rohit Sharma, Tilak Varma, Trent Boult (Rs. 12.50 crore), Naman Dhir (Rs. 5.25 crore), Robin Minz (Rs. 65 lakh), Karn Sharma (Rs. 50 lakh), Ryan Rickelton (Rs. 1 crore), Deepak Chahar (Rs. 9.25 crore), Allah Ghazanfar (Rs. 4.80 crore), Will Jacks (Rs. 5.25 crore), Ashwani Kumar (Rs. 30 lakh), Mitchell Santner (Rs. 2 crore), Reece Topley (Rs. 75 lakh), Krishnan Shrijith (Rs. 30 lakh), Raj Angad Bawa (Rs. 30 lakh), Satyanarayana Raju (Rs. 30 lakh), Bevon Jacobs (Rs. 30 lakh), Arjun Tendulkar (Rs. 30 lakh), Lizaad Williams (Rs. 75 lakh), Vignesh Puthur (Rs. 30 lakh).
Mumbai Indians' schedule for IPL 2025:
March 23: MI vs Chennai Super Kings, M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
March 29: MI vs Gujarat Titans, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
March 31: MI vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
April 4: MI vs Lucknow Super Giants, BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
April 7: MI vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
April 13: MI vs Delhi Capitals, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
April 17: MI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
April 20: MI vs Chennai Super Kings, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
April 23: MI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
April 27: MI vs Lucknow Super Giants, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
May 1: MI vs Rajasthan Royals, Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
May 6: MI vs Gujarat Titans, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
May 11: MI vs Punjab Kings, HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala
May 15: MI vs Delhi Capitals, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai