Waqar hopes struggling Younis Khan comes good

Image
AFP Sydney
Last Updated : Feb 12 2015 | 1:35 PM IST
Pakistan coach Waqar Younis today backed senior batsman Younis Khan to return to form in the World Cup despite a worrying slump.
The 37-year-old has managed just 1, 7, 9, 11, 25 and 19 in the six matches Pakistan have played since arriving in New Zealand last month.
Younis was not in the selectors' planning for the World Cup but the veteran hit a hundred in the 3-2 defeat against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates in November last year and forced his way into the 15-man squad.
"I think the pitches in Australia and New Zealand are challenging and initially batsmen struggle here but he is a senior batsman. We need him to get into the right kind of form soon. I am confident that he will come into that soon," said Waqar.
If Pakistan persist with Younis they have to drop either of their two talented youngsters, Umar Akmal or Sohaib Maqsood.
It will be a tough decision as Younis has passed 50 just twice in his three previous World Cups.
Pakistan lost both their warm-up games before their recent New Zealand series and then were defeated in both one-day internationals against the Black Caps.
They found themselves a bowler short after spinning all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was unable to bowl due to a suspension for an illegal action last year.
"It's difficult to find the right combination. We will sit down in the next three days and see. Still, there are three more days to go before the big one," said Waqar.
The big one, of course, is Sunday's sell-out World Cup blockbuster against India in Adelaide.
"India has always been a tough opponent, we are not going to take it easy. We will wake up that morning in a positive frame of mind and try to give our best.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Feb 12 2015 | 1:35 PM IST

Next Story