Analysing the averages of India's bowling attack 

After almost two full years of playing in sub-continental conditions, Virat Kohli and his men will embark on their first big challenge in January, for a full-fledged tour of South Africa, that would be succeeded by trips to England and Australia later in the year.

In the past, the team have struggled to win overseas because their bowling has not been up-to-the-mark.

We look at this attack and analyse the bowlers that still have a long way to go before they can be considered the complete package:

#6 Ravindra Jadeja

The left-arm spinner may have improved by leaps and bounds during the course of the home season, but still has a lot of work to do as far as his away record is concerned.

At home, he averages 19.82 with the ball, but abroad, that number almost doubles - reaching 36.82.

Only 10 out of the 34 Tests that he has played so far have been abroad.

His wicket tally also slides considerably in overseas conditions, going from 126 to 34.

His best performance overseas came against South Africa in Durban, when he took a six-wicket haul in the second Test of that series.

#5 Mohammed Shami

Shami will need to keep himself fit if India are to do well

Perhaps the most lethal bowler in the present arsenal.

Shami's biggest challenge when he takes the flight to South Africa would be to keep himself fit for the entire duration, for India would benefit greatly if he can do that.

In home Tests, he averages an excellent 23.17, with 35 wickets in nine matches, while abroad, that average reaches 34.70 with 57 scalps in 17 matches.

Shami's USP for the side is his bowling with the old ball, something that has been on show since his debut against West Indies in Kolkata in 2013.

If he can show similar prowess in South Africa, then India could well be on their way to win their maiden series on African turf.

#4 Umesh Yadav

Yadav will be key to India's success

The fastest of the lot, Umesh Yadav will have a role to play in overseas conditions with both the new and the old ball.

As has been the case with Jadeja, the home season has had a positive influence on Yadav's bowling, who has become a lot more consistent, leading to him taking more wickets.

At home, he averages 31.53 with 58 wickets in 21 matches but away, that averages rises to 42.09, with 41 wickets in 15 matches.

While these numbers do show that there is a big difference in his bowling home and away, there is scope to remain hopeful, since he was the highest wicket-taker for India in the 2015 World Cup, taking 18 scalps.

The key then was his length. Early on, he pitched it full, but wasn't afraid to use the short delivery later in the innings.

His ability to consistently get the first quality right would be critical to India's performance abroad.

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin

Can Ash 'win' India their first series in South Africa?

The one under the spotlight and the one who will be talked about the most when India take the flight overseas.

Over the last two years, in spin-friendly conditions of the subcontinent, Ashwin has been sensational, to say the least, having broken a plethora of records.

In home Tests, Ashwin has taken 216 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 22.46, but away from home, his average rises to 31.75, with 84 wickets in 20 matches.

The last trip to South Africa proved to be a disappointing one for the off-spinner and he will hope to put up a better show this time around.

#2 Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma has been very good in the last few years for India

Ishant Sharma may not have played a lot of matches in the home season, but in the few matches that he did, he looked very good with the ball.

The most experienced bowler of the lot, the Delhi cricketer averages 34.37 in 31 Tests with 77 wickets at home and 37.56 away with 146 wickets in 47 Tests.

The key difference in the past two years has been his control. No half-volleys early on. No bowling against the field. Just accurate, testing stuff.

It is not yet clear whether he will get a chance to play abroad, with India looking to pick Hardik Pandya, but if he does get his chance, one can be sure he would provide Kohli with the control he is looking for.

#1 Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar will have a big role to play in South Africa

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has not just been one of India's most improved bowlers in the last few years, but also one of India's most improved cricketers, keeping in mind his batting prowess.

The difference in his average while bowling at home and away is also the least.

In home conditions, the right-arm pacer averages 26.22 while away from home that averages only rises marginally to 28.19.

He was also instrumental in India's last big win overseas against England at Lord's when he took a six-wicket haul in the first innings.

The key to his success lies in his swing. When he gets the cherry to dart around, warning signals are sounded for the batsmen.

Can he replicate that on pitches which are likely to assist him in South Africa? Only time will tell.