Former players on Wednesday hailed Younus Khan’s decision of opting to sit out the three-Test series in New Zealand and handing the captaincy to Mohammad Yousuf.
”I think it is a wise call,” former captain Ramiz Raja said of Younus’s decision after a poor batting form which saw him score 23 runs in team’s 2-1 defeat against New Zealand in the one-day series which ended in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The 31-year-old Younus was under pressure to perform and was not been able to win a one-day series since taking over as captain in January this year — a fact Raja believed led to his decision.
”When you are out of touch as Younus was, you tend to react to situations and it becomes a negative thought which starts to engulf the team and affect the team’s performance,” said Raja, a TV commentator for the series here.
”Questions were asked about Younus’ batting form, so he has taken a wise decision to take time out, regain his form in domestic matches and come with a new vigour.”
The 35-year Yousuf has previously led Pakistan in three Tests and four one-day internationals and was deputy to Inzamam-ul-haq for several years — an experience Raja feels may come in handy.
”We have to wait and see, how he uses his experience to unite the team and help them do well in New Zealand,” said Raja of the three-Test tour which starts with the first Test at Dunedin from November 25.
Another former captain Inzamam said Younus had lost confidence with his fellow players.
”I think the biggest task a captain faces is to unite his players,” said Inzamam, who retired two years ago. ”Younus failed to give confidence to his fellow players which went against him.”
Younus refused to blame any player for his decision.
”I have no grudge against anyone,” he told AFP.
”I have taken this decision after serious thought and will play domestic matches to regain my form and then come back. It is not the end of my career.”
The Pakistan team flies to New Zealand from here on Sunday. — AFP
