5 Reasons Why Pakistan Need Younis Khan in Their ODI Squad

Last month, Younis Khan was dropped by the PCB from the Pakistan ODI squad to face Australia.

His impassioned response told you everything you need to know about his desire to play the game, but he admitted he was “out of contention” for the World Cup, per ESPN Cricinfo. 

He has since reminded us of his supreme talent. Younis hit two centuries in a single match to take Pakistan to victory in the first Test against Australia.

Has he burnt his bridges or will the selectors renege on their promises and bring the 36-year-old back into the ODI team?

Here are five reasons why Younis Khan should be in the Pakistan ODI Squad.

Form

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Firstly the most obvious reason—a match-winning contribution to a memorable Test victory over Australia should not be ignored.

Form is a big factor for a batsman. Time in the middle equates to confidence and clarity of thought. 

Younis batted with assurance and occasional fluency, twice putting Pakistan in a strong position. His six off Nathan Lyon to reach his first century showed he can still attack when he needs to.  

His Test form, shown against a strong Australia attack, puts him in good stead.

With renewed self-assurance and records behind him, Younis could use determination and redemption as motivation to rediscover his ODI ability.

Middle Order Stability

Francois Nel/Getty Images

"Our experiment with Younis in the ODI series in Sri Lanka backfired. Now all have unanimously decided to look ahead to our future with youngsters.” This was Moin Khan’s explanation for dropping Younis Khan, per ESPN Cricinfo.  

In their subsequent 3-0 defeat against Australia, their shortcomings were there for all to see.

Not one Pakistani middle-order batsman made more than 50 in the series. As a consequence, Pakistan fell short of competitive totals in all three games.

Umar Amin, replacing Younis in the Pakistan middle order, averages just 19 over 15 innings and has yet to show confidence on the biggest stage.

While backing youngsters may be an admirable approach, it is somewhat naive. A mix of youth and experience is what Pakistan need in the long-term and Younis could no doubt provide some middle-order stability.

Experience

Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Younis’ performance against Australia took him to 26 Test centuries, overtaking Inzamam-ul-Haq’s record. 

He is now 16th on the all-time list of century-makers, joint with Sir Garfield Sobers.

He has played a mammoth 254 ODIs for Pakistan, scoring six centuries. This experience should not be disregarded.

In the third ODI against Australia without Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s batting lacked an authority figure.

Younis could bring an element of steady assurance and know-how to the Pakistan line-up. 

Role Model

Marty Melville/Getty Images

Younis Khan spoke in May about his desired role within the Pakistan squad: “I want to play the 2015 or 2019 World Cup, my desire is to play as much cricket and keep up my role-model performance.”, per ESPN Cricinfo. 

With exciting young players currently emerging, there must be things they can learn from one of the country’s most prolific batsmen?

Twenty-two-year-old opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad recently described Younis as "a true gentleman and a perfect example to us youngsters," per Saj Sadiq of Pak Passion. 

Shehzad is a young and talented batsman who has already shown flashes of brilliance with the bat. His admiration of Younis speaks volumes about the role he could play, if given the opportunity. 

Team Unity

Francois Nel/Getty Images

"

Pakistan are the most naturally gifted cricketing nation on the planet. Awfully managed & no infrastructure, yet they keep winning. #PakvAus

— Freddie Wilde (@fwildecricket) October 26, 2014"

For the Pakistani management to admit they were wrong and rectify a mistake would go a long way towards restoring confidence in their leadership.

Pakistan are currently ranked sixth in the ICC ODI rankings. They must present a united front and field their strongest side if they are to have a chance of winning the World Cup.

Recalling Younis Khan would be a step in the right direction.