Younis Khan’s ability to smile whatever the situation makes him an affable character. Yesterday, after news broke out of Mohammad Hafeez’s suspension for an illegal bowling action, one expected Pakistan players to be in a sombre mood.
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Not Younis. The 37-year-old star, making his comeback to the ODI team, was his usual self, greeting the media with his customary bright smile that guarantees to light up any occasion.
On a personal level, it was a moment to savour for Younis as he ends a frustrating wait to don Pakistan colours again in the 50- over format when he lines up against New Zealand in the first one-dayer in Dubai today.
Since March 2013, he has played only one ODI and when he was not considered for the series against Australia, he publically vented his anger and later revealed he had even thought of calling it quits.
But Younis came to the UAE for the Test matches and is in brilliant form with the bat, making four centuries and tallying 717 runs in the five Tests against Australia and New Zealand in the last two months.
Back in the ODI team, Younis is delighted at the way his career has taken a turn for the better. “I feel proud that the selectors, PCB and my country have given me a chance once again to be in the one-day side. I hope I will do well for my country, not just here, but also in the World Cup. I am a happy man at the moment,” said Younis, who has six ODI hundreds in 254 appearances.
“I am not thinking whether I should play fast or slow. I am just thinking that I should be able to contribute to the team performances and the team wins because of that.”
When asked if there is a batting position that he preferred, Younis said: “My position in one-day cricket has changed since the time I started playing international cricket. I am always happy if I am able to bat higher up in the order to contribute to a Pakistan win.”
Younis hopes Pakistan will defeat New Zealand in the one-day series after both the preceding Tests and Twenty20 series finished all square at 1-1.
“We don’t want to share these one-dayers. I hope Pakistan will do well in this. We have fantastic players in one-dayers, who I think will perform well for Pakistan.
“You cannot say which team is favourite in one-dayers or T20s. I think both teams have an equal chance to do well in the ODI series, and it will depend on how the team is playing on that day. I think fielding is most important in one-dayers and T20 cricket. So the team that saves more runs and takes sharp catches will have the most impact in the limited-overs format,” he added.
When pointed out that he has not scored an ODI century in six years, Younis said: “I have always tried to bat according to the team situation. I came lower down in the batting order, and my thinking was never to play for my averages.
“If you say I do not have a century since 2008, the flipside is that there are a number of 70s and 80s. The thinking has always been to play according to the situation.
“Whenever people see me in the dressing room or on the field, they say he is a team man. I have earned that respect from everyone. That, I think, has been the biggest plus point of my career.”