In a strongly worded email communication to the national tennis body, SP Misra has categorically stated: “I would like to step down as captain of the Indian Davis Cup team.” Misra begins his mail with the emotional lament, “I am deeply saddened by the developments of the past few
days.”
As the communication progresses, he gets combative about Somdev Devvarman calling him ‘not up to the mark’. Misra goes on to say that the player, “...could have asked for a change of captain on any other ground than the one listed above.”
All not over?
But all may not be over as far as his tenure goes. “I have said that I would like to step down as I wanted to give that option to the AITA. I did not want to tie them down to having to retain me,” Misra told HT on Friday.
“I have communicated this and now it is up to them to decide whether they want to retain me or let me go. That's their decision.”
Misra is obviously quite hurt by the whole situation. Being an old-school gentleman, he is quite taken aback at just why his name is being maligned.
“I don’t want to be around if they (players) don’t want me. I don’t really know what to gauge of this situation. Let AITA decide who is the best person to handle this team. I am fine with whatever solution they come up with.”
Misra, ever the gentleman, went on to add: “I wish the boys all the best. I hope Somdev recovers his ranking quickly and continues to play for India for a long time.”