India won the 2nd ODI by 15 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 in the 3 match ODI series. While the series is in the bag, India should look to win the 3rd ODI in emphatic fashion and clinch the series 3-0. While some cynics may say that the match loses its significance because the outcome of the series has already been decided, nowadays there is no such thing as a dead rubber. Here are 5 reasons to watch the 3rd ODI which commences at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on the 22nd of January.

Competition for Rohit Sharma’s opening partner

The Hitman is currently out injured, but is likely to be fit for the Champions Trophy. Moreover even though India have won the first 2 ODIs, their opening partnerships contributed just 13 and 14 respectively. In English conditions, the ball is expected to swing and a good opening partnership is vital. Otherwise, it will expose the middle order to the new ball. Dhawan and Rahul have failed in the first 2 matches and with Rohit almost certain to open if fit, this will be the last chance for either of them to put their hand up and seal the 2nd opener’s slot. Rahane could also come into the equation if he makes the playing XI and has a good outing.

Chance to strike a psychological blow ahead of the Champions Trophy

India and England are drawn in different groups in the Champions Trophy but could meet each other either in the semi-finals or the final. If India wins the 3rd ODI and blank England 3-0, then it they will strike a huge psychological blow ahead of the Champions Trophy. If England loses 3-0, then they will be on the back foot mentally. This could prove to be a crucial advantage to India if and when the two teams meet in the latter stages of the tournament.

There is no such thing as a dead rubber.

While the outcome of the series has been decided, it is not often that a team gets to win a series with a clean sweep in international cricket. Moreover, at the international level a team should strive to win every game that they play for one’s country and not rest on their laurels just because the series has been decided in their favour. In 2011, when India toured England, they failed to win a single international game on the tour and this is an ideal chance for them to pay England back in the same coin. If India wins the series 3-0, then it points to their overall superiority and silences their critics. Whereas a victory by a 2-1 margin could take the gloss of their series win and lead to cynics saying that luck played a part in their series win.

Last chance for fringe players to prove their mettle

Since this is the last ODI before the Champions Trophy, the players on the fringe will be doubly anxious to impress and stake a claim for a berth in the squad for England. The main protagonists in India’s 2 wins (among the batsmen) were Kohli, Jadhav, Yuvraj and Dhoni. If KL Rahul or Dhawan can play a big innings at Kolkata which results in an Indian win these will create an aura of formidability in the Indian team. If a team has all eleven players capable of winning a match single-handedly then it augurs well for the team’s chances in any tournament.

Spinners could play a crucial role in the 3rd ODI.

So far both the pitches have been belters and have had nothing in them to assist the spinners in either team. While the spectators like to see a high scoring match with a lot of fours and sixes, the connoisseurs would like to see an even contest between bat and ball. If the pitch at Eden Gardens aids spin, then it will make for a more interesting contest. Amit Mishra was the Man of the Series in the recent ODI series against New Zealand but has not been included in the playing XI for the first 2 ODIs. The squad to tour England will most likely contain just 2 spinners as the pitches in England favour the swing and seam bowlers. Ashwin and Jadeja are certainties in the squad and Mishra is likely to miss out. However, if he is selected in the playing XI for the 3rd ODI, and puts in a good performance then he will be hard to ignore. Adil Rashid was left out of England’s playing XI for the 2nd ODI and could make a comeback if the pitch looks spin friendly. It is always exciting to watch good spinners in action.

So, both teams have all to play for and a good contest is in the offing.