Mumbai Indians (MI) players and support staff arrived in Chennai last night, getting ready to take on their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the city’s historic MA Chidambaram Stadium. Off the plane were captain Hardik Pandya, closely followed by teen batting sensation Tilak Varma. Both players belong to the franchise’s core set of players who were retained due to their promise to help bring back MI’s glory days in IPL 2025.
Next was India captain Rohit Sharma, greeted with thumping applause and cheers from Chennai fans. The five-time IPL winners, however, have an uphill task to climb, considering a poor last-place finish at IPL 2024. Far from their proud past, though, MI has been short on expectations in recent seasons and there is ever-growing pressure to get back on track.
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In preparation for the 2025 mega auction, MI held on to five of their most important players: Pandya, Varma, Rohit, India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah’s inclusion is still unsure because of a stress injury that has kept him out of action for two months. His probable absence from MI also raises eyebrows, considering he is their key player in their bowling line-up.
#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: Players and staff of Mumbai Indians arrive at Chennai airport for their first IPL match against Chennai Super Kings at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. pic.twitter.com/ww81eYOYIu
— ANI (@ANI) March 20, 2025
Speaking of the team dynamics, Pandya discussed the long Impact Player rule, which the BCCI has announced will stay until IPL 2027. The rule, which is unpopular with India’s best players, permits teams to switch an all-rounder for a specialist batsman or bowler during play. Rohit has been open about its effects on nurturing Indian all-rounders and has worried about what its long-term consequences might be.
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Hardik Pandya feels that under the existing situation, performers are required to be good in both departments in order to find a place in the playing XI. Adding to MI’s challenges, Pandya will miss the opening match on Sunday, March 23, due to a suspension for slow over-rate offences from the previous season.
In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will lead the side. Pandya’s return to MI in 2024 was far from smooth, marked by boos from disappointed fans. Yet, the all-rounder remains optimistic, expressing confidence in his growth as a cricketer while acknowledging the pressing need to deliver on the field.
