MS Dhoni: Skipper takes responsibility for failed chase in 4th ODI vs Australia

India were 71 runs away from a famous win, but went on to lose the fourth ODI match by 25 runs.

New Delhi: Admitting his failure to carry on Indian innings from a winning position, skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday took responsibility for the team's fourth successive defeat at Caberra.

Chasing 348 runs, India were placed in a good position to register their first win of the series after a superb 212-run second wicket partnership between Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.

Dhoni promoted himself to bat at second down, after the departure of Dhawan, in the 37.3 over. But Indian captain survived only two minutes in the centre, for a naught of three balls.

India were 71 runs away from a famous win, but despite having comparatively enough deliveries (12.3 overs) and wickets in hand, the visitors went on to lose the fourth ODI match by 25 runs. India have lost the previous three outings too.

And as expected, a "disappointed" Dhoni said in the post-match presentation, "This was one game we should have batted much better. I'll take responsibility, I should have carried on but I got out..."

From a winning position, India lost nine wickets for 46 runs in the closing stages of the match, getting all out for 323 in 49.2 overs.

"There was a bit of pressure on the youngsters. International cricket is all about pressure, you think about the right shot. You realise you have to take a bit more time and take the game slightly to the end," Dhoni added.

In between, the 34-year-old hailed India's top-order batsmen, comprising openers Rohit Sharma and Dhawan, and Kohli. However, the Ranchi-resident said that India's failure to have a fixed bowling line-up compromised team's cause.

"Rohit batted very well with Shikhar. And Dhawan and Kohli batted majestically. In the last five years, we have not had a fixed bowling line-up other than the spinners. That pushes us to the extreme to get some extra runs," said Dhoni.

The fifth and final ODI match will be played on Saturday at Sydney before the start of three-match Twenty20 International series.