Did an Indian pep-talk help Younis Khan en-route to his double ton?

Younis Khan’s player of the match effort helped Pakistan level the Test series at The Oval

Much was expected of Younis Khan on Pakistan’s tour of England. But going into the fourth Test at The Oval, the senior-pro had amassed just 122 runs from six innings in the first three Tests. Critics were up in arms and colleagues on the sidelines were beginning to grumble. The clock was ticking for Younis Khan and the fourth Test was perhaps his last opportunity to come up with something substantial. Else, he was surely set to face the wrath of the selectors.

From being pushed against the wall and seemingly cornered, the 38 year old produced a magical knock that will be talked about for years to come. It took all of two days for the veteran batsman to turn his fortunes around. And his side rode the tide as well. On day two, he got to 100 off 139 balls and on day three, he got to 200 off 281 deliveries. It was a turnaround of epic proportions for Younis Khan and Pakistan.   

But just how did he manage this turnaround? As Younis Khan began his narrative, it was all on expected lines. He was inspired by Yasir Shah who took body blows to fend away the English pacers. And the team got together of course, they backed one another and needless to say, played for pride. But somewhere along the way, he said something that is bound to turn heads. The Pakistani batsman mentioned that he got help from across his country’s border.

“Before the Test I got a call from Azhar Bhai who advised me to stand still at the crease and gave his experience of batting in England, said Younis after the match. That helped me a lot and I am thankful to Azhar Bhai and it’s advice like these that help you no end”.

The “Bhai” in question here is none other than former Indian batting great Mohammad Azharuddin. But as this news trickled out, chances are that you’d wonder just why the former Indian skipper would bother calling a Younis Khan to offer free batting advice. As is the case with most retired internationals, Azhar is known for his pep-talks in cricketing circles. While it’s unknown if Younis and Azhar share a unique friendship, it’s well documented that cricketers from both countries share an amicable relationship off the field.

From indulging in healthy banter to discussing professional and personal matters, players have been open about their chatter when not facing each other on the field. It is perhaps this friendship that lead to Azhar offering a helping hand to Younis when the latter appear lost in the doldrums. The Pakistani veteran wanted to win the Test on his country’s independence day and the former Indian skipper’s advise couldn’t have come at a better time.

All said and done, as politicians from both sides continue to spar over diplomatic relations, Azhar’s pep talk could well prove to be the best gift that India could have offered to its neighbour as both countries celebrate their independence day within a day of each other.