IPL 2025: 3 players who can replace Hardik Pandya as captain in opener

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not far away, and there have already been some bid developments within the teams just ahead of the tournament. One of the big developments has come in the Mumbai Indians franchise, where their current skipper Hardik Pandya will be missing the first two games of the season due to the slow overrate rule in the game. 

This means that the franchise will need the perfect replacement for the star all-rounder and two-time ICC trophy winner going into the tournament. There are plenty of great options within the team who can take the reins in place of the 31-year-old T20 World Champion. 

Here are the top three players who can take Hardik’s place as the MI skipper in the first two games of the season: 

3. Rohit Sharma 

Though it is highly unlikely that Rohit Sharma will be leading the side once again after giving up the reins last season. Rohit has led the Mumbai Indians for 10+ years and led the team to five IPL titles in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020. It will be interesting to see if the management will allow him to lead the side in the first two games since he is also the most experienced player in the team. 

Speaking of Rohit Sharma’s record as the Mumbai Indians captain in the 158 matches he has led the franchise, he has won 87 games, lost 67, and the remaining four games were tied. He has an overall win record of 55.06 percent in the tournament.