Younis Khan inspired by his father and Imran

Younis Khan: an inspired man © AFP

Younis Khan, recently appointed Pakistan's vice-captain, is upbeat about the Indian tour, and inspired by the memory of his father and the words of Imran Khan. Younis's father had died last month, and he intends to dedicate this series to his memory.

"Just a day before he passed away I spoke to him [my father] on telephone and he kept on telling me that I had a lot more to give to Pakistan," said Younis, speaking to The News. "That I should work harder on my game and be more responsible in my approach to life." Younis, who caught the first available flight home as soon as he learnt of his father's death in Perth, has never played a Test against India.

"It was my father's greatest desire to see me always perform well when I went out on the field in the Pakistan colours," Younis continued. "He was a very patriotic person who didn't like it whenever we lost or I failed to do well."

Younis was appointed vice-captain in place of the experienced Yousuf Youhana. Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain, had backed Younis to be the captain of the side after expressing disappointment over Inzamam-ul-Haq's captaincy in Australia. "When a legend like Imran backs you publicly, it means something and it's a big boost," said Younis. "I try to play my cricket like him [Imran] without taking too much pressure.

"The Indian tour is a high-profile one and as the vice-captain I would like to see the team return home leaving a very good impression behind with the Indian people as good human beings and good sportsmen."