IPL 2022: A look at the teams & their key players

All the eyes are on March 26 as the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) Twenty20 extravaganza begins. On the opening day, Kolkata Knight Riders will clash with IPL 2021 winner Chennai Super Kings. Here we take a look at the teams and their key players who will compete in the world's cash-rich championship.

Mumbai Indians: The team’s key players are Rohit Sharma (skipper), Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah. MI bought back wicketkeeper-batsman Kishan for $2 million, the most expensive Indian player in this season's auction. Their top foreign players are Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen and Jofra Archer. Despite being doubtful with an elbow injury, the franchise paid $1.06 million for England pacer Archer. The team has clinched the IPL trophy five times (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020). Credit: Mumbai Indians

Delhi Capitals: Under the leadership of Rishabh Pant, Delhi Capitals has emerged as one of the finest teams in IPL. With Kuldeep Yadav and the inclusion of Yash Dhull, a dashing young batsman who led India to victory at the Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies last month, DC looks perfectly balanced. Even overseas players like David Warner, Lungi Ngidi and Mustafizur Rahman come with huge experience that will boost Delhi Capital’s winning chances this year. Credit: Instagram/delhicapitals

Punjab Kings: With players like Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, Shahrukh Khan, one can see plenty of fireworks this season. Foreign players Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow and Kagiso Rabada are believed to live up to everyone’s expectations and take Punjab Kings to the finals. Credit: Instagram/punjabkingsipl

Chennai Super Kings: From Mahendra Singh Dhoni to Deepak Chahar, who was bought back for $1.85 million, CSK has strings of match-winners in the team. Even overseas players like Moeen Ali, Dwayne Bravo and Devon Conway make CSK a robust team. With four titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021) under their belt, CSK has always been the top contender for the Indian Premier League title. However, the team will be led by Ravindra Jadeja this season. Credit: Instagram/chennaiipl

Gujarat Titans: The new franchise this year has all the attention. Hardik Pandya will play the skipper and the team has Shubman Gill and Mohammed Shami along with foreign players like Lockie Ferguson, Rashid Khan, Matthew Wade. The team looks very strong on paper and has all the potential to be the winner. Credit: PTI Photo

Lucknow Super Giants: Skipper KL Rahul and Avesh Khan are the finest players who have proved their mettle in international cricket. Overseas players like Quinton de Kock, Jason Holder and Marcus Stoinis give LSG a strong foothold to be the title winner this season and if their magic works, then the team has all the potential to lift the cup this season. Credit: Instagram/lucknowsupergiants

Rajasthan Royals: Under the leadership of Sanju Samson, Rajasthan Royals have performed well in the past and with the addition of experienced spinners Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravichandran Ashwin, the team will up their ante this season. With overseas players Jos Buttler, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Shimron Hetmyer, the team is likely to give back-to-back nerve-racking matches. Credit: Instagram/rajasthanroyals

Kolkata Knight Riders: Shreyas Iyer looks in great form, and Venkatesh Iyer and Varun Chakravarthy will give him great company. International players Pat Cummins, Sam Billings and Sunil Narine are masters of this game and the team will give their best to lift the IPL trophy this season. Credit: Instagram/kkriders

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Players like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Washington Sundar, Umran Malik are known for their consistency and this team has all elements to upset opponents at any moment. Kane Williamson, Marco Jansen and Romario Shepherd will further strengthen the team and the team possess all that is needed in a champion. Credit: Instagram/sunrisershyd

Royal Challengers Bangalore: The team have always been a strong contender to lift the IPL trophy. With heavyweights like Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Glenn Maxwell, Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga, it seems no one can elude them from lifting this year’s trophy. Credit: Instagram/iplt20