WATCH: Hardik Pandya interacts with young fan ahead of IPL 2025

Before the Mumbai Indians' thrilling IPL 2025 first match against the Chennai Super Kings on Friday, the squad was seen practicing. The all-rounder worked hard throughout the practice session. Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), engaged in a charming conversation with a young supporter at Chepauk Stadium during an IPL 2025 practice session.

A young fan questioned Hardik Pandya about his Champions Trophy lifting experience as he arrived in the crowd. "How do you feel after winning the Champions Trophy?" the little girl then questions him. In response, Hardik said, "Really enjoyed it. Did you enjoy it?" as he signed autographs. After, the girl is heard stating that she watched the entire game. 

Watch the video here:

This 𝙬𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙚 Hardik conversation is so heartwarming 🥹💙#MumbaiIndians#PlayLikeMumbaipic.twitter.com/I0HtCFQQKR

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 21, 2025

The MI captain's special gesture for Youn's supporters was well addressed on social media, with many people drawing attention to the 31-year-old's struggles throughout the past 12 months. Mumbai Indians had a challenging 2024 season, finishing at the bottom of the rankings with just four wins in 14 games. Their season was spoiled by the controversy surrounding the substitution of Hardik for Rohit as the team's new leader. During many home games, MI fans booed Hardik because they were unhappy with the choice. 

Suryakumar Yadav to led Mumbai Indians in first match

Hardik has helped the Men in Blue win the T20 World Cup last year and, more recently, the Champions Trophy 2025, making it a year of redemption since the IPL 2024. With a more composed leadership and a stable team consisting of game-winning players, MI looks to be ready for the 2025 Indian Premier League. 

Hardik and the MI team just arrived in Chennai to get ready for Sunday, March 23, their IPL 2025 opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), at Chepauk. Suryakumar Yadav, who also captains the Indian T20I team, will captain the Mumbai Indians against CSK in Hardik's place. Jasprit Bumrah is out for MI because he is still healing from a back injury he suffered in January during the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.