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In a twist that’s got cricket fans buzzing, Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya has been hit with a Rs 12 lakh fine for a slow over rate during their IPL 2025 showdown against Gujarat Titans (GT) on Saturday. The penalty, slapped on after MI’s 36-run loss at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, marks Pandya’s first over-rate slip-up this season—but it’s a familiar headache for the all-rounder, who missed MI’s opening match due to a ban from last season’s antics.
MI’s clash with GT was a rough ride from the start. GT piled on 196/8, powered by Sai Sudharsan’s fiery 63 off 41, while MI’s chase fizzled out at 160/6. Pandya grabbed two wickets but couldn’t spark with the bat, and his captaincy took a hit as the team dawdled through their overs. In cricket, a slow over rate happens when a team fails to bowl their allotted overs in time—think of it as a timeout violation with a price tag. For Pandya, that price was Rs 12 lakh.
This isn’t new territory for the MI skipper. Last season, he copped a one-match ban after MI racked up three slow over-rate offenses, a punishment that carried over to bench him for IPL 2025’s opener. Now, just two games into his return as captain, he’s back in the spotlight—and not for the right reasons.
So, will Pandya be sidelined again? Not just yet. IPL rules typically dish out a fine for a captain’s first over -rate offense in a season—Rs 12 lakh in this case—saving harsher penalties like bans for repeat offenders. Since this is MI’s first violation of IPL 2025, Pandya should be safe to lead his side against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday. But the clock’s ticking: another slip-up could see him watching from the dugout.
The fine’s just salt in the wound for MI, who are 0-2 in IPL 2025. Saturday’s 36-run drubbing followed a shaky opener, leaving the five-time champs at the bottom of the table. Pandya’s leadership is under fire—fans point to sluggish tactics and a batting lineup that’s yet to click. “Slow over rate, poor bowling changes, another loss—Pandya’s got work to do,” one fan tweeted. Others, though, urge patience: “He’s still settling in. Give him a break!”
Social media’s ablaze with takes. “Pandya’s fines might outstrip his salary at this rate!” one quip read, while supporters argue he’s juggling a tough gig with a star-packed but stumbling squad. That Rs 12 lakh sting? It’s a hefty chunk, even for an IPL star, and it’s got folks wondering if it’ll dent team morale—or light a fire under MI.
Next up, MI face KKR at Wankhede Stadium—a homecoming that’s been tricky for Pandya. Last season, he faced boos from fans still loyal to ex-captain Rohit Sharma. With his team desperate for a win, he’ll need to tighten up the over rate and rally the troops.
For now, Pandya’s wallet’s lighter, but he’s still in the game. In the IPL, every over counts—and so does every rupee.
