Dhoni prepared to step down

MS Dhoni says he would gladly relinquish his post as captain of the Indian Test team if a better option could be found.

The skipper has been under the microscope for his captaincy in the recent Test debacle in Australia, where India suffered a 4-0 series whitewash at the hands of their hosts.

"It (the captaincy) doesn't belong to anyone. It's a position I hold, and it's an added responsibility," Dhoni said on Tuesday.

"I always like to do well. I am in (the) job but it's not something I want to stick to. If there is a better replacement, he can come in."

Dhoni, 30, reiterated that the decision over who is captain is not about individuals but what is in the best interests of the team.

"At the end of the day, you want India to perform," Dhoni said.

"If there is someone who can do a better job, captaincy should be given to him. It's not something you have to cling on to."

"As a player, I am giving my 100 percent. I am still doing what I was doing. Test cricket is real cricket, but I am not discarding other formats. Every format has its own challenges."

"The responsibility was given to me three-and-a-half years ago. I am trying to fit into the shoes, get along with the team and perform well."

The 2011 one-day international World Cup-winning captain has led India to seven straight away Test defeats, and is struggling with the bat - averaging 20.40 in six innings in Australia.