*"Backstabbing" has nothing to do with this. Careful observation day in day out is more like it. *
I don't think so. If Malik never interacted with players and was a loner...then why was Intikhab backing him for captaincy after the W.I. series? Malik didnt become a loner after whitewashing the W.I. 3-0. If anything, Malik would have gained support of even those who opposed him as captain within the team.
I think its clear...Intikhab just kisses ass of whoever is captain.