Mumbai: Mahendra Singh Dhoni says playing in alien conditions and that too without Sachin Tendulkar is a big challenge for his side but the Indian skipper is hopeful that playing One-dayers first will allow his batsmen settle well ahead of the Test series against South Africa. India will play three-match ODI series ahead of two-Test series in South Africa. "If you see there is always a new start," Dhoni said about absence of Tendulkar, who retired recently last month. Dhoni said his batsmen have plenty of experience in the shorter format of the game and playing ODIs first will give them confidence for the Tests.

"Many of them have had good exposure if not in Tests, but in ODIs. It is a new challenge for all of them and a new learning curve. It is always a challenge when you go outside. Which length to bowl and to adjust to the bounce of the wickets. It is good to start with ODIs. As the batsmen can play their shots and express themselves and carry it into the Tests," he said ahead of team departure. Asked who will perform the duties of the third opener in Tests, which has only two regulars in Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, Dhoni surprised everyone by naming Gautam Gambhir, who is not part of the 17-member squad.

"If you see, Gautam is definitely our third opener that we are considering. As of now, Vijay and Shikhar they have done really well for us. So third opener as of now is Gautam." Later he clarified, "I know (gambir not being in team) but he is the third opener. But he never asked if he is part of the team." Nevertheless, the statement by Dhoni makes it clear that Gambhir is still in the scheme of things for at least Test side.

Asked who was likely to replace Tendulkar at number four in the Test squad, Dhoni they are to yet to decide on that. "We are not decided on number 4. No one is going to replace anyone else," he said before adding in lighter vein, "If possible we will omit the number 4, and try to bat 1, 2, 3, 5, 6... and 12."