Captaincy is chasing me, says Younis

BANGALORE: Speculation of a leadership crisis in the Pakistan camp was put to rest with Younis Khan on Friday making it clear that he would lead the team in the third cricket Test against India and that there was no 'confusion' on this issue.

Younis, who was said to be reluctant to lead the team, however, admitted that he had never enjoyed captaincy which had been chasing him time and again.

"I always run away from captaincy because I want to enjoy my cricket. It affects my batting, but it comes to me every time. The more I run away from it, the more it chases me," Younis said on the eve of the match.

"I accepted vice-captaincy for this tour only on request and I want to do my best. Now there is more pressure on the Pakistan captain issue. But I'm leading the side and there is no confusion and no differences in the team," he said.

Pakistan media manager Ehsan Malik also dismissed media reports that Younis was reluctant to lead the side.

"Since the time I arrived here I've been taking your calls since 6.30 in the morning till close to midnight. And I have responded to all your calls all the time. Last night so many people called me and I told everybody that this is just baseless rumour. But the media has reported otherwise," he said.

"My humble request to all of you with utmost humility is please believe my words," Malik added.

Asked whether Pakistan were the favourites as Sachin Tendulkar might not play in the Test, Younis said Pakistan would look to level the series.

"It's not the question of who is favourite and who's not. We want to win this Test and we don't want to lose out on a draw. We want to square the series."

Younis also indicated that his team might not go with a four-way pace attack.

"Conditions are good for fast bowlers but if it is a dry track there is no point in bringing in four fast bowlers."

"There's no point in putting pressure on Shoaib Akhtar as no one person can win a Test match," he said.