IPL 2022 predictions: Winner, worst team, top run-scorer, breakout star

The biggest and most competitive Indian Premier League in history starts this weekend, with two new teams joining the list of contenders to become IPL champions.

Ten teams will play 74 matches in total in a demanding tournament that runs from the curtain-raiser on March 26 to the final on May 29.

The recent IPL expansion has seen the addition of two franchises – Lucknow Super Giants and Gujarat Titans – but four-time winners and defending champions Chennai Super Kings are currently at the top of the throne.

Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad complete the runners and riders for the 15th edition of the biggest tournament in world cricket.

While the previous Indian Premier League saw the eight teams placed in one single group and the top four sides progressing to the knockout stages, this year the ten teams are divided into two groups of five, with the best two teams from each group advancing.

But who are expected to compete for the title and who look set to fall by the wayside? Metro.co.uk looks at the best and worst-looking squads and the players who could take the 2022 Indian Premier League by storm…

WINNER – Mumbai Indians

With two new teams competing for the first time and bio-bubbles still in place, this could be the most volatile and unpredictable IPL to date, but Mumbai Indians rarely let their fans down and can claim a record-extending sixth title.

Head coach Mahela Jayawardene and captain Rohit Sharma are serial winners and big runs shouldn’t be an issue with Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Tim David, Kieron Pollard and Fabian Allen in the squad.

Mumbai have arguably the best white-ball pace bowler on the planet