Jordan DeSilva has decided to step down as captain of Somerset Cricket Club.

DeSilva, who has held the position since taking over the role from Jekon Edness in 2016, feels the time is right for him to relinquish his leadership position with others ready to step up.

The 33-year-old all-rounder’s decision comes a month after Somerset retained the Cup Match trophy with a draw against St George’s at Wellington Oval and means he has never been on the losing side as player or captain, with three wins and four draws since he took charge of the side.

“I just feel like it’s time for the next chapter for the club,’’ DeSilva said.

“It’s an important time for us and we’re getting to a time where a transition period is slowly starting to take place, and I think my position is included in that.

“We have certain players in the team right now that are equipped to do it. We have to take advantage of those guys because if we miss out on those opportunities, we could end up in a situation that St George’s are in right now, where they’re trying to fix the problems and still trying to find the solutions.

“We think we have the solution in house already and I think it’s important that we take advantage of that. I’ve done seven years and I’ve got to a point where I feel like I've done all I could. I don’t think I can take Somerset any further than I have.

DeSilva, who was picked for Cup Match as a reserve in 2004 at the age of 14 before he made his debut in 2008, has been been contemplating stepping down since last year with the temptation for him to bow out on home soil next year, but he has decided to afford the new skipper the opportunity of starting off at Somerset.

“I've got to a point now, where I can enjoy my cricket more without the added responsibilities,’’ he said. “I think I’ve done it for long enough now where I need to move on. I don’t think I can give everything that the job requires any more. It’s important the person in the role should give everything that’s required.

“I remember when I took over seven years ago, but I’m at a point in my career where it’s not something that I can put my best foot forward every single day. I just think it’s time for somebody else to take over.

“This was no snap decision and is probably something that was thought about going into Cup Match last year in Somerset, where I really thought about how the game went and how I felt at the end.

“At the end of this year’s Cup Match, even though it might have been different because we didn't win, I just felt like it was a good time to finish.

“A lot of people think I should finish in Somerset but I’m more worried about the next person that comes after me.

“I want them to have the best possible start to their captaincy, which is what I had. Jekon finished in St George’s and I was able to start up at Somerset. I know how much of a difference that made for me, so I’m just trying to make sure that the next person has the best possible starting point.

DeSilva, whose worst moment as captain came in 2021 when he could not play for health reasons, will still make himself available for Cup Match next year as a player.

“I haven’t made a decision yet in terms of my whole Cup Match career and I’ll still make myself available to the selectors,’’ DeSilva said.

“I always have belief in my own ability and I still believe I’m one of the better cricketers that Bermuda has to offer. I also realise how much players are coming up behind us, so I know whether I make the team or not it will be a strong XI.”