Virat Kohli-led Indian team  will take on South Africa in the first of the 3-match Test series at Vishakapatnam in a short while from now. The number one ranked Test team would start as the overwhelming favorites to win the  series against the third ranked Proteas who are in a state of transition post the retirements of Hashim Amla, AB De Villiers and Dale Steyn.

India come into the series on the back of thumping win against the West Indies, which saw them beating them 2-0 on Caribbean soil. While the South Africans were handed a stunning (0-2) loss by the Sri Lankans in their own backyard.

South Africa beat Indian 2-1 on their home turf in the last Test series between the two teams in 2018. However, the last time the Proteas toured India for a Test series in 2015, they were trounced 3-0 by a formidable Indian team. So they would be hoping to put up a better challenge against a potent Indian side which has won 10 bilateral series on the trot at home.

Here is a statistical preview of the bilateral test series between India and South Africa 

India and South Africa have locked horns in 36 Tests. The Proteas have the upper hand winning 15, while the Indians have come out victorious in 11 Tests. Ten rubbers have ended in a draw.

When it comes to Tests matches played between the two teams on Indian soil, the home team has the upper edge winning 8 out of the 16 Test matches, while South Africa have emerged victorious in 5 Tests. 3 Tests have ended in a draw.

Out of the 13 bilateral Test series played between the two teams, South Africa have enjoyed greater success, winning 7 off them against India. Meanwhile, India have won 3 series and 3 have ended in a draw.

South Africa have never lost a Test series to India on home soil. They enjoy a superlative record against India, winning 6 of the 7 Test Series played against the Indians on home soil.

India have dominated South Africa in Test matches played on their home turf. The Indians have won 3 out of the 6 bilateral series against the Proteas. Meanwhile South Africa have won one and drawn two series in India.

India's 646-6 in the Eden Gardens Test at Kolkata in 2010 is the highest innings total posted by a team in the India-South Africa bilateral Test series.South Africa posted 620 for 4 in the Centurion Test in 2010, registering their highest total against India in Tests.