Profile of Younis Khan

 Younis Khan

 Younis Khan

 Younis Khan

 Younis Khan

The ever-smiling right hander from Mardan, Younis Khan came into the Pakistani side in an ODI game against Sri Lanka in 2000. His Test debut, came in the same series and turned out to be a memorable one, as he scored a fighting century in the second innings, which unfortunately ended in a losing cause. Though he didn't set the world ablaze with his batting over the next few years, Younis managed to remain in the team thanks to his ability to rotate strike and play the role of a sheet anchor in a batting order filled with stroke-makers. He was one of the few players who managed to retain his spot in the squad after a disastrous World Cup in 2003, but lost it soon after following a poor home series against Bangladesh and South Africa. Younis returned to the ODI squad that faced arch rivals India, but struggled to regain his Test spot. 

It was in October 2004 that Younis scripted a major turnaround. Chosen to face the visiting Sri Lankans, Younis made the most of the opportunity as he scored a century batting at number 3. He made the spot his own as he emerged the highest run getter in the 0-3 whitewash in Australia soon after. Things became better as Younis was appointed vice- captain for the tour to India. He started slowly but ended the series with a match-winning 267 at Bangalore in the final Test, which helped Pakistan square the series. He took a particular liking to the Indian bowling attack and went on to make 3 more Test centuries against them in the next two years. His average of 106 is the highest for any Pakistani batsmen against India. 

Younis first led Pakistan in a disastrous series against the West Indies in 2005, but also had his good times as he captained Pakistan to a win against India in Karachi the next year. However, he created a controversy in September, when he refused to \"be a dummy captain\" when he was offered the post for the Champions Trophy. However, a day later, he returned to lead the side to a first round exit. Younis was once again offered the post after an embarrassing first round exit from the 2007 World Cup, but refused it citing strain and personal reasons. Despite being a reluctant leader, the post seemed to follow him as the PCB once again made him skipper, replacing Shoaib Malik in January 2009. 

This time, Younis accepted the offer and soon after, led Pakistan to a title victory in the 2009 T20 WC. However, the musical chairs continued as many senior players revolted against Younis' leadership. He resigned from the post after a series against New Zealand in Sharjah and took a break, only to be called back midway to bolster a struggling line up for the ODI series in Australia. His career seemed to come to an abrupt end when he, along with Mohammad Yousuf, were banned for \"infighting\" by the PCB in March 2010. However, things became better and Younis returned to the national squad for the series against South Africa in October, 2010. He made a strong return in both forms during the series, including an unbeaten century which helped Pakistan to a draw. He went on to represent Pakistan in the 2011 World Cup, and remains a permanent fixture in both the ODI and Test squads. 

Younis has played many a significant knocks, the most recent one being an unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe in the first Test at Harare. He rescued his team who were struggling at 23/3 after conceding a lead of 78 runs, that innings got Pakistan to a healthy total and helped them win the game. However, he was dropped from the ODI side after he managed only 2 fifties in his last 18 innings. The last ODI he played was against South Africa in Benoni. With the 2015 World Cup approaching, his experience might be required to steady a shaky middle order. 

After being overlooked for the ODI series against Australia, this is what Younis had to say, \"If they say I have no future than I will step aside in all formats don’t pick me even for Tests. I am willing to step aside for five months before the World Cup. let them make a new team but if they don’t succeed than the selectors should be held accountable.\" However, things changed dramatically and it was Younis himself, who changed things around. He continued playing Tests and kept racking up runs at will. In the 7 Tests that he played since August 2014, against Sri Lanka, Australia and New Zealand, he amassed 928 runs, which included 5 hundreds and 3 came versus Australia. He also has the most tons by a Pakistan batsman in Tests, going past Inzamam's 25. All these factors contributed in him being recalled to the ODI team, he played the 5-match series against New Zealand and scored his 7th ODI ton in the fourth game. Younis was also named in the 15-man squad for the 2015 World Cup. 

Source: www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/130/younis-khan