It has been a torrid year for Pakistani all-rounder Sohail Tanvir. An unsuccessful tour of New Zealand saw the 26 year old from Rawalpindi axed from the 15 member Pakistan squad for the 2011 World Cup. Yet all hope is not lost, as he has been named captain of the upcoming Pakistan A team series against Afghanistan.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Sohail reflected on his year so far, and his chances of making a comeback to the national team.

Having been troubled with knee injury issues for the past year and a half, it was a welcome relief for Sohail to finally be able to return to full fitness. “Yes I had a bit of a niggle,” stated Tanvir, “but I have been working hard for the past 1-2 months, and have no issues with my knee now and am hundred percent fit.”

The chance to lead the Pakistan team at any level is a huge honor, and this fact was not lost on Sohail. When queried on his reaction on the news, and whether he knew beforehand of its announcement, Sohail stated “It definitely feels great. It is just below the senior side but it is still a team representing Pakistan, so it is a huge honor. I have never captained a Pakistan side at any level, so it will be a new experience for me and I am very excited about it.”

He further added “The regional head for the Rawalpindi Association had informed me about this series and asked about my availability, and told me I could perhaps be made captain of the A side.”

Tanvir – who has represented Pakistan in 53 international matches so far – was also fully determined to make his comeback to the national team. He stated “It is a great platform for any player that is out of the senior side to represent your country, be it the A team or even the Academy side. You can show your fitness and performance, and it’s a big chance for anyone who wants to make a comeback.”

Tanvir further revealed “I remember I came into the national team this way in 2007, after giving great performances against Australia A, I was suddenly selected for the senior team for the 2007 T20 World Cup. It’s a great chance for players trying to make a comeback, and for youngsters to perform and concentrate on any fitness issues. There is only one step after this, the Pakistan national team.”

The fast-bowling all rounder’s spot in the national team seems to have been taken over by fellow Rawalpindi Rams teammate Hammad Azam, but Tanvir remained unconcerned.

“My issues have always been about my fitness, never about performance,” stated Tanvir. “I have always been out of the side because of fitness, and never performance. Every player has his place in the side, there have been players before and after me, but I have always managed to earn a spot in the team. I will also say that newer players coming through the system create a more competitive environment which ultimately is better for Pakistan.”