New Delhi, Aug 18 (IANS): Indian cricketing greats Sunil Gavaskar and V.V.S.Laxman Monday sought to defend under-fire Mahendra Singh Dhoni saying had it not been for the India captain's heroic knocks the team would have suffered more ignominy.

Dhoni scored four half-centuries that ensured India respectable totals during the 1-3 Test series loss in England.

"M.S. Dhoni fought it out, both at Old Trafford and Oval. He curbed his natural instinct and scored runs when India needed them. Had he not scored runs, India would have been bowled out under 100 a couple of times," Gavaskar told NDTV.

Gavaskar feels Dhoni seemed like the only man in the Indian team ready to fight it out.

"The way Dhoni fought it out gave me the impression that here was a man who was ready to fight it out for his team," he said.

Laxman, who had played under Dhoni, said the India captain still thinks about Test and was also looking to improve.

"Dhoni cares about Tests. He is a captain, who is always thinking of improving. When a captain tries to improve and the team does not respond to challenges, that is tough," he said.

Laxman said what can a captain do if the team loses wickets in the first 10 overs.

"What can a captain do when the team loses wickets in the first 10 overs? Dhoni takes a lot of pride in wearing the India cap. He has had success as Test skipper also. He was captain when India was number one," Laxman said.