Pakistan desperately need a face saving win in the concluding ODI at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh Stadium to goad themselves for the bigger battle ahead, the three Test series.
India, having already clinched the Indian Oil Cup, would be keen to wrap up the rubber in style and gain a significant, psychological advantage ahead of the Tests.
With the final tie rendered inconsequential, India may try out some of their bench players as they go into the fifth ODI with the aim of increasing the victory margin. Players like paceman S Sreesanth, batsman Rohit Sharma and all rounder Praveen Kumar, who have not played a single match in the series, may get a chance to prove their worth against their arch rivals who will be determined to score a consolation win. With the form the Indian top and middle order have been in, the depth in batting may not be called upon, which is why India could take their plan of giving opportunities to the youngsters a step further and promote Sharma to give him a chance of facing a substantial number of overs.
Pakistan have a couple of options to choose from. The first, and perhaps rather short-sighted approach, would be to field their strongest XI and search for a morale-boosting win. The second is to look at the Tests as a totally different game, and give Imran Nazir and Fawad Alam, who have carried drinks through the one-day series, a shot at the Indians. Both players have been cut from the Test squad so this is their final opportunity to play on the tour. While allowing for the dew factor, giving Abdur Rehman match practice, for he is Pakistan's second spinner in the Test squad, is something Pakistan will want to consider.
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