T20I And ODI Cricket Are About Young Blood But It’s Also Important To Pick Experienced Players: Pakistan Coach Younis Khan

Pakistan batting coach Younis Khan believes that picking only young players in ODIs and the T20I squad is not correct. Although Khan supports the point that T20I and ODI cricket is about young blood, he also believes that it is important to induct experienced players into the squad.

Younis Khan’s words came after some former Pakistan cricketers have repeatedly voiced opinions in the favour of young players in the ODI and T20I squad. Younis Khan has been doing a great job as a batting coach for Pakistan. The Pakistan team recently defeated South Africa in the ODI and T20I series in an away tour.

Important To Pick Players Who Are Mature, Says Younis Khan

While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Younis Khan explained the importance of experienced players in T20I and ODI cricket.

“We speak about young blood a lot, and yes, T20 and one-day cricket are about young blood. But it’s also important to pick players who are mature, who have the fitness and the commitment, and who have enough cricket under their belt.

“It’s important to pick the best players who have the experience, and who won’t score five runs an over when you need 10 an over and won’t aim for 15 runs an over when you need five an over,” Younis Khan said.

Khan also mentioned that when picking experienced players, selectors should take note of their First-class and List A Experience.

 “If you are picking anyone for Test cricket then he should have sufficient first-class experience behind him. If it’s for T20 or one day he should have played adequate List A games,” Younis Khan further said.

The Babar Azam-led Pakistan team earned accolades for their performance against South Africa recently. Pakistan defeated South Africa 3-1 in the three-match ODI series. In the T20I series, Pakistan had an upper hand on the home team, South Africa, after winning the four-match series 3-1. Babar Azam won the player of the match award in 1^st and 3^rd ODI and also won the player of the series in the T20I series.

South Africa had the home advantage but they were short of few core players in the 3^rd ODI and during the whole T20I series. Players like Quinton de Kock, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and David Miller departed to India to undertake their IPL 2021 commitments.