Veteran cricketer Younis Khan became the first Pakistani batsman in Test cricket to complete 10,000 runs and only the 13th batsmen in the world to achieve this feat. Other batsmen on the elite list include cricketing greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, Kumar Sangakkara, Jacques Kallis, Rahul Dravid, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, Allan Border, Sunil Gavaskar, Alastair Cook, Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Steve Waugh.
Younis Khan has achieved many feats in his illustrious test career but the 10,000 runs may be his last milestone as he has already announced it will be the last Test series. Before Younis, no player from Pakistan even came close to reaching this milestone, with Javed Miandad (8,832), Pakistan’s most prolific batsman.
One of Pakistan’s batting greats, Younis Khan is the kind of man who responds best in adversity. He holds the record for scoring the highest number of centuries for Pakistan. The 39-year-old batsman also holds the record of getting the highest average with 53.06 per innings. Only three other Pakistani batsmen – Javed Miandad (52.57), Mohammad Yousuf (52.57) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (50.16) – crossed the average of 50 in a Test career. His test stats include a triple century, six double tons, 34 tons and 32 fifties.
As a captain, Younis has enjoyed success in leading Pakistan to the world T20 title in 2009. As his short introduction on Cricinfo puts it – much of his persona evokes the idea of the quintessential Pathan warrior – committed, inspired, capable, and bearing the burden of conflict with fortitude and poise. His retirement will be a massive loss to Pakistan cricket, the Mardan born player has served the country with utmost pride and dedication, something that cricket fans will forever remember. Outlining his plans after retirement Younis in a press conference told that he aims to get coaching licenses and wants to train U15 and U19 players, hopefully to produce players that can serve Pakistan. His passion to be involved with the game even after retirement speaks volume of his commitment to the game & the country.
Committed, inspired and capable, YK’s career is as illustrious as it gets.