Indian Premier League season 15: the teams, top players

The 15th edition of the Indian Premier League Twenty20 extravaganza begins on Saturday when holders Chennai Super Kings face Kolkata Knight Riders.

AFP Sport guides through the 10 teams, including two new franchises, who will compete in the world's richest cricket championship.

Mumbai Indians

Key Indian players: Rohit Sharma (skipper), Ishan Kishan, Jasprit Bumrah. Mumbai bought back wicketkeeper-batsman Kishan for $2 million, the most expensive Indian player in this season's auction.

Top foreign players: Kieron Pollard (West Indies all-rounder), Fabian Allen (West Indies all-rounder), Jofra Archer. The franchise paid $1.06 million for England pace ace Archer despite being doubtful with an elbow injury.

IPL record: Five titles (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2020). Beaten finalists in 2010.

Chennai Super Kings

Key Indian players: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (skipper), fast bowler Deepak Chahar who was bought back for $1.85 million.

Top foreign players: Moeen Ali (England all-rounder), Dwayne Bravo (West Indies fast bowler), Devon Conway (New Zealand batsman).

IPL record: Four titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021) and five runners-up finishes (2008, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2019).

Delhi Capitals

Key Indian players: Rishabh Pant (skipper), Kuldeep Yadav and Yash Dhull, a dashing young batsman who led India to victory at the Under-19 World Cup in the West Indies last month.

Top foreign players: David Warner (Australia batsman), Lungi Ngidi (South Africa fast bowler), Mustafizur Rahman (Bangladesh fast bowler).

IPL record: Runners-up (2020).

Lucknow Super Giants

Key Indian players: KL Rahul (skipper), Avesh Khan -- a fast bowler who was bought for $1.32 million at auction, up from a base price of $26,500.

Top foreign players: Quinton de Kock (South Africa