The IPL governing body had imposed a one-match ban on Hardik at the end of last season.
The IPL governing body had imposed a one-match ban on Hardik at the end of last season after his side failed to complete 20 overs within the stipulated time on three occasions.
Since MI's last over-rate offense took place during their final group match, Hardik will be serving his one-match ban in the 2025 edition. In his absence, Suryakumar Yadav will be leading the five-time champions.
During MI's pre-season presser, Hardik Pandya talked about the suspension, saying that he was not aware of the consequences of over-rate offense.
"I think that is something out of my control. Last year what occurred was part of the sport, I think we bowled one and a half or two minutes late. At that point of time I did not know the consequences of what could happen. It is unfortunate, but it is the rule. Now will they continue with this rule next year, I think it is up to the higher authorities. They can see into it, and how it can be done," Hardik said.
The all-rounder also said now that the controversial Impact Player rule has been extended by three years, a cricketer has to be a pure all-rounder to find place in the starting eleven.
The rule allows a team to replace a player from their playing XI at a later stage of the match. The teams bring in a batting or bowling specialist as the situation demands.
The Impact Player rule was introduced in IPL 2023. Under this rule, each team can name as many as four substitute players along with their playing XI at the toss. One of them can replace a member from the original XI during the match and the player will be called Impact Player.
The BCCI extended the rule to at least the 2027 edition despite reservations from leading Indian players, including Rohit Sharma who said the Impact Player strategy was holding back the development of Indian all-rounders.
"In the current scenario, it becomes difficult if you are not completely a 50-50 all-rounder to find your place. Going forward this can change or will change, we will have to see. But yes, definitely if you want to encourage more all-rounders they will need a fix spot for them to develop over the years," Hardik opined.
(With PTI inputs)