The Mumbai Indians engaged in a practice session in preparation for their highly anticipated opening match of IPL 2025 against the Chennai Super Kings on Friday. Despite being suspended from the game due to a slow over-rate penalty, captain Hardik Pandya participated actively in the training. Rohit Sharma also joined the session, and as they concluded their practice, both players took the time to interact with young fans who had gathered to see their idols at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

When Hardik approached the fans, a young supporter inquired about his experience of winning the Champions Trophy. This led to a heartwarming exchange, during which the fan shared that she had watched the entire match.

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Rohit drew a loud cheer from the fans, and the star batter obliged by signing autographs. The former MI captain also signed a kid's CSK jersey, prompting cheerful reactions from the other fans present.

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The Mumbai Indians faced a challenging 2024 season, concluding at the bottom of the standings with just four victories out of 14 matches. The season was further complicated by the controversial change in captaincy, as Hardik Pandya replaced Rohit Sharma in the leadership role. This decision was met with disapproval from MI supporters, who expressed their dissatisfaction by booing Hardik during several home games.

Nevertheless, Hardik has made an impressive return to international cricket, playing pivotal roles in India's successes at the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy within a span of nine months. As he rejoins the franchise, Hardik aims to complete his redemption story in the IPL and win back the support of MI fans.

In Hardik's absence, Suryakumar Yadav, who also captains the Indian T20I team, will take charge of the Mumbai Indians in their match against CSK. The team will be without Jasprit Bumrah, who is still in recovery from a back injury sustained during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January.

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