The IPL 2025 season schedule was announced on Sunday and the two most successful teams in the league will face off on 23 March. Mumbai Indians will meet Chennai Super Kings at the Chepauk in the first of the two 'El Clasico' matches between the two rivals. However, Hardik Pandya will miss the game through suspension. That in return, could potentially open the doors for Rohit Sharma's return as captain of MI. Why will Hardik Pandya miss MI's IPL 2025 opening clash? Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2025 season with a meeting against CSK, but they will be without the services of their skipper Hardik. Pandya will be suspended for the game having been fined for slow over rate offences. He was hit by a fine of INR 30 lakhs during MI's clash with Lucknow Super Giants last year. The incident was MI's third offence last year, and therefore, the star all-rounder will miss this year's first match of the season. Pandya will serve his one-match ban and return to usual duties against his former team Gujarat Titans on March 29. This would potentially allow Rohit to lead MI once again, having been stripped of captaincy last year which led to a huge backlash from the fans and it reflected on MI's performances as well with the team finishing bottom in the standings. RCB vs KKR in IPL 2025 opener The defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the inaugural game of the IPL 2025 season. This will be followed by Sunrisers Hyderabad's meeting with Rajasthan Royals and MI will face CSK later that day.Original Article