Paltan, our first match of the IPL 2025 is less than 24 hours away and keeping calm is simply impossible!!!

While we understand the excitement of our Paltan being SKY high, the tempo and hunger to get going for mission #6 in our camp are equally high! 🤩

Ahead of the El Clásico, आपला Surya दादा, who will step up to lead the Boys in Blue and Gold in Hardik Panya’s absence, spoke to the media personnel about the preps going on in the camp.

On being asked about how HP and BOOM’s absence would be challenging and affect the shape of the team, Surya responded with ease, focusing on the players available at our disposal.

“Bumrah is being missed, but Hardik is there only [laughs]. He's just not playing tomorrow's game. He'll be around. But yeah, it's difficult to fill the shoes of such amazing players, but it's part of the game.”

“The show must go on. There are boys who can take up the responsibility and are very keen to take the field tomorrow… So I'm very excited about that,” he added.

Furthermore, the right-handed batter praised our scouting team, who have unearthed some terrific talents over the years and 2025 has been no different!

“If you see the Mumbai Indians set up over the years, it's more than 10-15 years that the scouting team has been amazing. We picked amazing players after analysing the domestic matches, sharing it with the coaches and the picks have been great.”

“We have a lot of exciting players this time in our dressing room. Good characters, funny ones as well. So it's good we saw them during the camp, during the practice games. I think they are ready for the stage.”

Answering the questions around CSK’s lethal attack on spin-friendly pitches and how it could potentially cause problems; Surya acknowledged the fact but also stated the team’s approach for the same.

“They have some experience on their side. The good bowlers who've played for this franchise before and have been playing for the franchise for a long time. But, yeah, this format, I think, whatever comes your way, you have to be yourself. Just enjoy and take one ball at a time,” he said.

Talking about the batting position of the batters, SKY stressed on the importance of having flexibility in the squad, which will help the team in various situations throughout the season.

“The thing is, it's always good to have that impact at the top and I've seen that guy [Tilak Varma]. He's been working really hard. I think the batting position doesn't matter. You might see guys being flexible during this season. I can bat at three and five as well, Tilak can bat at five. So it's that flexibility we have in our team and with the form I think the harder you work, the luckier you get,” he said.

Well, let’s not shy away from the fact that the first match of every season over the past decade has been our nemesis. However, when it comes to Surya answering a question such as this, you know it comes with a touch of quirkiness!

“Now you have said it, we will win tomorrow!” [Laughs]

“But yeah, it has been different for the last eleven years. But hopefully, we'll try and change the tide from tomorrow. Starting on a winning note and taking that head start is always important in a tournament, but it's a long tournament.”

“We can always start a new game, have a new game from the second game. But yeah, obviously it will be a good thing to have a win tomorrow,” he said.

Building and nurturing a #OneFamily atmosphere has been the motto of the team and with the ever-positive Surya around, you always know it’s all smiles in the dressing room!!!

“Spend a lot of time with them during and after the practice, take them for dinners... very exciting characters this time out. I think we need to spend a lot of time with them to know their strengths & weaknesses. So we know when the time is right, they will deliver for you,” said Surya, on being asked how he creates rapport with his teammates.