IPL 2025 / These players will not be able to play the opening matches, Hardik to Bumrah in the list

IPL 2025: The much-awaited start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is going to take place from March 22. Like every year, this time too cricket lovers will get the gift of exciting matches. However, the absence of some key players in the first few matches of this season can have a big impact on the strategies of the teams. Especially the Mumbai Indians team may face difficulties in their first match, as their captain Hardik Pandya and key fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah may not be a part of the team.

Hardik Pandya's suspension: Mumbai Indians' first challenge

The Mumbai Indians team will start their campaign on March 23 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK). However, captain Hardik Pandya will be absent in this match. In fact, during the match against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024, the Mumbai Indians team was found guilty of slow over rate, due to which Pandya was suspended for one match. Since this suspension could not be implemented in the last match of the last season, it will now be implemented in the first match of this season.

Who will take over the captaincy of the team in the absence of Hardik is the big question. Suryakumar Yadav is considered to be the main contender for this role, as he has experience of captaining the Indian team in the T20 format. At the same time, Rohit Sharma can also be an option, who has made Mumbai Indians IPL champions five times.

Doubt over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness

The second concern for Mumbai Indians is the fitness of their star bowler Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was injured during the recent Test series against Australia, due to which he could not play in the Champions Trophy 2024 as well. The team management has not yet been able to make any clear statement on his availability, but according to reports, he may be away from the team for at least the first one or two weeks. In such a situation, Mumbai Indians will have to rework their bowling strategy.

Other teams' problems are also not less

Apart from Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants may also face problems in the opening matches. The team's key fast bowler Mayank Yadav is suffering from a back injury and is unlikely to play in the opening matches. LSG had retained him for Rs 11 crore, but his fitness remains a matter of concern for the team.

Apart from this, Delhi Capitals all-rounder Mitchell Marsh is also away from the game due to back problems. Similarly, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) fast bowler Josh Hazlewood may also miss the opening matches due to injury.

Impact on the strategy of the teams

• The absence of these key players will force the teams to change their strategies.
• Mumbai Indians: Suryakumar Yadav or Rohit Sharma may get the captaincy in place of Hardik Pandya. At the same time, in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, the responsibility of bowling will be on Trent Boult and other young bowlers.
• Lucknow Super Giants: In the absence of Mayank Yadav, Avesh Khan and Marcus Stoinis will have to take additional responsibility.
• RCB: In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Mohammed Siraj and Karn Sharma will have to work extra hard.

Opportunity for new stars

The absence of these stars may be challenging for the teams, but this will give new players a chance to showcase their talent. Young fast bowlers, all-rounders and backup players will have to prove their ability in the initial matches, so that they can secure their place in the team.

Conclusion

Even before the start of IPL 2025, difficulties have arisen for some teams, but the real fun of cricket lies in uncertainties. Like every year, this time too some new faces can shine and experienced players will be seen struggling for their comeback. Now it will be interesting to see which team is able to overcome these initial challenges and make a strong start and which team comes under pressure.