There are things I have picked up from AB de Villiers: Younis Khan

Former Pakistan batsman Younis Khan recently spoke at length about one of the most peculiar shots of the game of cricket – the sweep shot. During his playing days, Younis was regarded as one of the finest sweep shot players of the game. His ability to play the sweep and the reverse sweep with utmost perfection was a delight for any viewer. In the recent times, there were a few news reports floating that suggested AB de Villiers learnt the art of sweeping from Younis Khan.

The dynamic South African batsman needs no introduction when it comes to glam shots. AB is one of the finest modern day batsman who plays almost every shot possible and invents a few too. He is one of the few players who can sweep fast bowlers at will as well.

In a conversation with the Indian Express, Younis Khan remarked the same and said that the news is not true. He, however, added that perhaps AB picked up a few tricks here and there but he never taught him the same. Adding further, the former cricketer noted that he has also picked up a few tricks from AB de Villiers’ book.

“No, he has not learned it from me. However, as professionals, we observe each other’s games. He might have picked up some technical aspect of my sweep and implemented it in his own game. There are things that I have also picked up from AB,” quoted Younis Khan.

On the sweep shot

Describing the sweep shot, Younis Khan noted that there are no tips to play the shot. The only thing is that the batsman must be brave enough to execute the shot. Sometimes the shot might work and at other times, it might fail as well.

“There are no tips. You have to be brave. If you get out sweeping, the whole world will be after you. I myself got out sweeping in my last innings, that too off a full toss. I hit my 10000th run with a sweep. I reached my only triple hundred via a reverse sweep. I was always a top hand dominant player as the street where I grew up playing cricket was narrow. The best way to score runs there was to play in the ‘v’,” conceded Younis.