It’s been three weeks that the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) has hit the floors under strict health protocols in the United Arab Emirates. From nail-biting finishes to high-score drama, many enthralling events have unfolded in front of the eyes of the eternal fans of the game.

With no team winning all their matches till now, it is crystal clear that the 13th edition of the IPL caters a unique enigma altogether. Justifying why the IPL is one of the most competitive cricket tournaments in the world, players appear to have decided not to drop their shoulders till the last ball of the game.

It was a week that was dominated by the budding youngsters who left no stones unturned to sail their team’s boat in the direction of victory. Moreover, their efforts were lauded across the sporting globe even though the team could not cross the winning boundary.

Members of this extravagant club are the likes Rahul Tripathi who lived up to the billing with the bat and Ravi Bishnoi with the ball. As the cricketing carnival trickers into the fourth week ever since its commencement, this article sheds light on the names of those stalwarts who may feature in the playing eleven for their respective franchise.

Here is a list of players who can be handed an opportunity in the fourth week of IPL 2020:

1. Ajinkya Rahane- (Delhi Capitals)

The prolific batsman, who garnered heaps of praise for his remarkable 100 in a Test match against England at the iconic Lord’s, was traded by Delhi Capitals from Rajasthan Royals in the transfer season prior to IPL 2020 auction.

Without a shade of doubt, Rahane has myriad of skills under his sleeves to knock the opposition down single-handedly. Justifying his lucrative price is his extraordinary performance with the willow as the 32-year-old has bagged 3820 runs in 140 matches at a decent strike rate of 121.92.

The top-order decimator has not found his name in the playing XI till now owing to the consistent display of batting elegance by the vintage-duo Prithvi Shaw and Shikhar Dhawan.

2. Mitchell McClenaghan

The New-Zealand tearaway pacer is known for playing his role to perfection. Going an extra mile and putting his best foot forward at crucial matches is what defines the stalwart’s 25-yards run-up.

The heavyweight was brought by Mumbai Indians at an exorbitant price. Adding an extra sharpness to the bowling unit, Mitchell’s stunning display of wrist work with 71 wickets under his belt renders justice to his position in the blue brigade.

The 34-year-old has not been thrown the ball of opportunity in the 13th edition of the IPL as of now. Albeit, the pace spearhead is just a match away from proving his worth. Hence, it is expected that the tall gentleman will be donning the blue in the fourth week of the cash-rich competition.

3. Mayank Markande

The leg-spinner went under the hammer in the 11th edition of the IPL for his phenomenal stint in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy in the 2018 season. Hailing from Punjab, the talisman can perform magic on the 22 yards with his spectacular skill set.

Mastering the art of baffling the batsman, the 22-year-old budding talent was picked up by Mumbai Indians for mere INR 20 lakhs. Eventually, Markande proved his worth as he picked 15 wickets in his maiden season.

Plying his trade for Rajasthan Royals in the delayed edition of the 13th edition of IPL, he is yet to don the pink the jersey to display the propensity of strong mindset and help the team get some crucial breakthroughs in the hours of need. If speculations are to be believed, Mayank can feature in the playing XI in the upcoming week.

4. Basil Thampi

The Kerala-born prodigy is known for his hit-the-deck bowling. Basil is a value-addition to any team he plays for. The 27-year-old speedster is working on his skills so as to bag the opportunity to get into the Indian cricket team.

The vintage bowler was drafted by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2018 edition for his magnificent performance in the prior season for the now-defunct Gujarat Lions. The southpaw scalped 11 wickets with a decent rendition for his side.

In the absence of cricketing maestro Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the team management may give Basil a chance in the team in the upcoming week. Hence, he will surely want to steal the show given a chance to step into the cricketing field.

5. Chris Gayle

The Caribbean cricketing star has been a spectator’s delight for his ability to add crisp and spices to the gentleman’s sport. Holding the capacity to hit back-to-back out-of-the-park sixes, Chris Gayle has left no stones unturned to etch his name as one of the best in the T20 business.

The 175* against the defunct Pune Warriors in the 2013 IPL gave him immense glory among the short-format lovers in India. The heavyweight has amassed 4484 runs in 125 odd matches over the span of 13 years in IPL.

Off late, the stalwart is plying his trade for Kings XI Punjab in the UAE. The 41-year-old has been warming the bench ever since the commencement of the cricketing carnival.

With Punjab stationed at the lower psotion in the points-table, the team management must be twiddling their fingers to get back on the winning track. Hence, the power-hitter may be thrown the hat of opportunity to salvage the team from danger.