Bengal skipper Rohan Gavaskar on Monday said he would step down as captain of the Ranji Trophy squad, owning moral responsibility for the unimpressive display put up by the side this season.

"I am going to submit my resignation letter to the Cricket Association of Bengal tomorrow morning," Gavaskar said after the final day's play of the four-day Ranji Trophy match against Madhya Pradesh at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Asked about the reason behind his decision, the all-rounder said "I think Bengal cricket needs fresh ideas and new directions".

He, however, expressed his satisfaction at the outcome of the match, from which Bengal earned two points by virtue of first innings lead to save relegation from the Elite group.

About the coming Ranji Trophy one-day tournament, he said "we have a good one day side and we hope to do well".

He also welcomed Indian captain Sourav Ganguly's decision to play in the Ranji Trophy games, saying "his participation is always a great motivation for the side".

Gavaskar has been facing criticism from various quarters for the dismal show by Bengal this season and was even sighted sobbing at the ground after the second day's play of the Madhya Pradesh tie.

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