Yousuf Youhana, an invaluable asset

With both Pakistan and Sri Lanka, who had already qualified for the Asia Cup final, resting some of their key players, the competitive element was missing in the last league game between the two countries.

But one man utilised the chance to further enhance his reputation. Yousuf Youhana came up with yet another match-winning knock.

The youngster has always been able to shoulder the responsibility in crunch situations with his superb temperament, suitable to both forms of the game, being the key.

Even when he plays well within himself, he can keep the scoreboard ticking. This is important because he seldom gets bogged down.

He has the ability to play the big shots, and when the situation demands, is not averse to taking calculated risks too. His innings against India, where he played the sheet anchor's role to perfection, was a quality effort. He indeed wrested the advantage from the Indian bowlers.

Youhana's progress in the last one year has been quite amazing and today he is a huge asset to the Pakistan team. In fact, half the Indian batting problems would be solved if it has somebody like Youhana coming in the middle order, as an ideal foil to Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly.

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been able to re-build their sides after the World Cup. During the period, Pakistan, the runner-up in the '99 edition, has struggled with internal problems, but has still been able to come up with a balanced outfit.

Men like Azhar Mahmood, Abdur Razzak and Youhana have established themselves in the team, while the young Imran Nazir, has also caught one's attention with his bold strokeplay.

The Pakistan batting has a lot of depth, and apart from five frontline bowlers, the side has two good all-rounders. And the fielding has also been quite brilliant with Imran Nazir and Youhana being outstanding.

Skipper Moin Khan should be given the credit for hastening the rebuilding process. It goes without saying that after Australia, Pakistan is the most balanced side in contemporary cricket.

Similarly, Lanka too has managed to groom a few youngsters. It should not be forgotten that just three months back, Lanka defeated Pakistan, in both Test and one-day series, away from home. That was a fine achievement by any yardstick since Pakistan is a tough side to beat in home conditions.

Bringing back Dav Whatmore as coach has paid rich dividends for Sri Lanka. It is relevant to note that Lanka does not rely on any great individual performance to win matches. It is team-work all the way.

The Indians have forgotten the importance of grooming youngsters, keeping in mind the long-term objectives. Take the case of Mohammed Kaif, a talented young batsman, who appeared confident in his first Test, against South Africa, not too long ago. Today, he does not find a place in the Indian one-day team.

Dropping a youngster, who had impressed when he was provided with a chance, is a big mistake. When it comes to building a side, the Indians have much to learn from the Pakistanis and the Lankans.

www.krishsrikkanth.com

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