28 January,2009 01:56 PM IST | | AFP
New Pakistan captain Younus Khan today pleaded for support from all his players, warning he has no magic wand to turn around the team's fortunes after a humiliating defeat to Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) yesterday replaced Shoaib Malik with Younus following the home team's 234-run mauling at the hands of Sri Lanka, which gave the visiting side a 2-1 series win.
Younus, who has been appointed for an indefinite period, said he needs support from the players so the team can recover from its heaviest defeat in one-day internationals in terms of runs.
"I cannot do anything all by myself. I want support from all the players to take the team forward, because I do not have a magic wand," Younus told local media after accepting the role.
The 31-year-old said he will draw up his plans in the next couple of days.
"I am busy in a domestic match so once I am over it, I will meet the management and players, and then make my plans. I don't want to be the captain who is captain only by name, but want to do things my own way," he said.
When asked how the team could be lifted after their humiliating defeat, Younus said: "Pakistan is the only team which staggers in one minute and recovers in the next. There is no reason why we can't get into the top teams again."
Younus turned down the offer of the captaincy after Pakistan's first-round exit from the 2007 World Cup, citing personal reasons.
He also refused to lead the team in the Champions Trophy held in India in October 2006, just a day after he was appointed skipper, saying he did not want to be a dummy captain.
He was reinstated as captain for the Trophy after Nasim Ashraf replaced Shaharyar Khan as PCB chairman.
But this time around Younus said he leapt at the job.
"I didn't need to think twice this time in accepting the post. It is and it isn't a tough challenge in a sense.
"Captaincy is always tough, but I've already been captain before and I don't think you can be in a tougher situation than the 2006 Champions Trophy, when we lost Shoaib (Akhtar) and (Mohammad) Asif a day before the tournament."
Younus has led Pakistan in six one-day matches, winning two and losing four, when regular captains have been unavailable. He has also captained in four Tests, winning one, losing one and drawing two.
Younus said Malik was like his younger brother.
"When he (Malik) was captain he got my full support and now I expect the same from him. Whoever is captain we have to play for the country and I expect everyone to do their best."
Younus's first assignment will be a two-Test home series against Sri Lanka next month.
"We have 15-20 days before the Test series and we will do the best preparations and you will see a different team in the Tests," said Younus.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja advised Younus to respect the position.
"Younus must give due respect to the office of captaincy, because leading your country is the greatest honour," said Raja, a widely respected television commentator since retiring from the game.
"I see this change as a test and trial period for Pakistan. Malik did show signs of progress in team's 3-0 (one-day) win over the West Indies (November 2008) but he lacked a lot in the Sri Lanka series," said Raja.
