IPL 2025: Why Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah Missed Mumbai Indians’ Clash Against CSK?
The much-anticipated IPL 2025 season opener between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) saw MI without two of their biggest stars—Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah. While fans eagerly awaited their presence on the field, both players were unavailable for different reasons.
Hardik Pandya’s Absence Due to BCCI Ban
Mumbai Indians’ skipper Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the match against CSK due to a ban imposed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The all-rounder was penalized for maintaining a slow over-rate during MI’s final league game of IPL 2024 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Since this was his team’s third offence of the season under IPL’s over-rate regulations, Pandya was fined ₹30 lakh and handed a one-match suspension.
“Hardik Pandya, the Mumbai Indians captain, has been fined after his team maintained a slow over rate during their IPL 2024 match against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on May 17,” read an official IPL media release.
However, in a significant rule change ahead of IPL 2025, BCCI decided to replace match bans for captains with a demerit points system. Under this new policy, captains will accumulate points for slow over-rate violations, and only severe infractions will result in suspensions. Unfortunately for Pandya, the ban applied before this rule was implemented, forcing him to sit out MI’s opening game.
Jasprit Bumrah’s Injury Concerns
Jasprit Bumrah, one of MI’s most lethal fast bowlers, was also missing from the playing XI due to an ongoing injury recovery. The speedster sustained an injury during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy clash against Australia in Sydney in December 2024. As a result, he missed India’s victorious Champions Trophy campaign and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at BCCI’s National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
Mumbai Indians’ head coach Mahela Jayawardena provided an update on Bumrah’s progress before the IPL 2025 season began. “Bumrah has just started his recovery process. We are awaiting further updates from the BCCI’s medical team. Everything is going well so far, but his return will depend on how his rehabilitation progresses,” Jayawardena stated in a pre-tournament press conference.
Bumrah has been a key asset for Mumbai Indians over the years, securing 165 wickets in 133 IPL matches. His absence leaves a significant gap in MI’s bowling lineup, making his return crucial for their campaign.
CSK Clinch Victory Over Mumbai Indians
Despite MI’s efforts, Chennai Super Kings emerged victorious by four wickets at Chepauk. Afghanistan’s mystery spinner Noor Ahmad delivered an outstanding performance on his CSK debut, claiming a four-wicket haul (4/18) to restrict Mumbai Indians to a modest total of 155/9. In response, CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led the chase with a fluent 53 off 26 balls, while Rachin Ravindra finished unbeaten on 65 off 45 balls, sealing the win for CSK in 19.1 overs.
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 campaign got off to a rough start, continuing their streak of not winning an opening match since 2012. With Hardik Pandya set to return for the next match and Bumrah’s recovery progressing, MI fans will hope for a turnaround in their upcoming games.
