"I am the main culprit" - When captain MS Dhoni took the blame for India's disastrous performance in Australia
The captaincy styles of Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are often compared because many experts and fans feel that both have rather similar approaches to leadership. While that remains debatable in the wake of Rohit's recent videos where he's seen reprimanding teammates, there's definitely one thing in common between both leaders - openly accepting the blame for failures.
After India were bowled out for 46 in the first innings of the Bengaluru Test against New Zealand, which ended on Sunday, October 20, Rohit admitted that the decision to bat first after winning the toss was wrong. He also took the blame for the move on himself, conceding that it was his call.
In a similar incident, Dhoni termed himself the 'main culprit' at a press conference during India's disastrous tour of Australia in 2011-12. The Aussies hammered India 4-0 in the four-match Test series. In a media interaction during the tour, the keeper-batter, who was leading the side, had opened up on India's poor show:
"I need to blame myself, as I am the leader of this side. Of course, I am the main culprit, so, of course, I blame myself."
He also defended the seniors in the team who struggled Down Under as well as in the preceding Test series against England. Asked whether the veterans needed to be phased out, he replied:
"We will have to see what is the thought of the seniors. It has to be a very careful decision that needs to be taken. They have the experience, and they can share it with the youngsters."
The 2011-12 tour of Australia turned out to be the last international assignment as players for two of India's batting legends, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, both of whom had a forgettable series.
MS Dhoni's record as Test captain
Dhoni led India in 60 Tests, winning 27 and losing 18, while 15 ended in a draw. Of his 18 defeats as captain, 15 came away from home - seven in England, four in Australia, two in South Africa and one each in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. The keeper-batter contributed 839 runs at an average of 29.96.
As captain, the Ranchi-born cricketer won six Tests away from home - one each in Bangladesh, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka and the West Indies. In contrast, Dhoni led Team India to 21 wins at home, scoring 1,440 runs at an average of 68.57, with four centuries, including a career-best 224.