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'We have accepted the fact that Sachin is no longer available'

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the Indian captain, has said his young team has accepted the fact that the iconic Sachin Tendulkar is no longer available and they will have to "move on" and concentrate on the job at hand. 

The post-Tendulkar era in Indian cricket begins at the new Wanderers on Wednesday when the visitors take on a formidable South African
side in what will be the real test of character for this new look Indian batting. 

"With the last Test match we played in India, it is 100 percent sure that Sachin won't be available for any more international series.

"It was always good to have him, but now that he won't be there, we have to concentrate on what he have in our hands. We have accepted that fact and moved on," Dhoni said on the eve of the first Test.

'Every series is a fresh start'

This is the first time since November 1996, that all four batting stalwarts from the last two decades, Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sourav Ganguly will be missing from the Indian line-up. 

It has been a roller-coaster last few seasons for the Indian cricket with the ignominy of having lost 0-8 in Test matches in England and Australia. They have partially pulled it back with six back to-back Test match victories at home. 

"Every series is a fresh start. There is no point bringing excess baggage. It is about getting used to conditions and offering what the team has.

"There are plenty of youngsters in this side, who will get exposure by playing competitive cricket at the Test level. So it's a big positive
for us," Dhoni said.