South Africa created history by securing their first Test series win in India in 25 years with a 2-0 whitewash over the hosts. A few months after lifting the World Test Championship (WTC) title, the Proteas men have delivered another monumental achievement – and there’s been brilliance at heart Simon’s appearancewho has now put his name in the record books.
Harmer, who was part of the Touring squad that suffered a 3-0 demolition of India in 2015, returned a decade later as the architect of one of South Africa’s greatest triumphs.
The record-breaking innings produced the best figures by a visiting bowler in India
Currently a few weeks after surpassing the landmark of 1000 first-class wickets, Harmer is currently regarded as the deadliest Test spinner in world cricket. The off-spinner, a masterclls in both Tests, delivered 17.94, the best figures for any bowler in a Test series in India.
His dominance was so complete that he hit once every 28 balls, the most efficient strike rate recorded by a series bowler on Indian soil. Harmer consistently blasted India’s established batting line-up independently, using drift, sharp turn and exceptional control to demolish the hosts in both matches.
His performance has already been hailed by analysts as one of the greatest spin bowling exhibitions ever seen in India.
Surpasses Dale Steyn: Simon Harmer becomes South Africa’s best bowler on Indian soil
Harmer’s sensitivity now places him at the top of South Africa’s all-time bowling charts in India. Some legends have passed Dale Steyn and Paul Adams to become the South African bowler with the most wickets in a single test series in India.
Most Wickets by a South African Bowler in a Test Series in India:
- 17 – Simon Harmer (2025)
- 15 – Dale Stein (2008)
- 14 – Paul Adams (1996)
- 14 – Imran Tahir (2015)
It is a defining and career-defining achievement, with domestic cricket and the English County circuit transitioning through successive national recognition over the years.
A legacy sealing series for the Veteran Off-Spinner
Harmer’s journey has been marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite dominating County Cricket for years, he has struggled to gain regular opportunities at international level. This series changed everything.
Delivering the greatest bowling performance by a player to ever happen in India, Harmer wrote his name into bowling folklore. His efforts not only helped India win their first series in South Africa since 1999, but also reaffirmed his status as the best Test spinner in the world.
Simon Harmer has been terrible in this test series 🌟#Simonharmer #Indvssa pic.twitter.com/1dcl7ztnpa
– CricketTimes.com (@crickettimeshq) November 26, 2025
The Guwahati triumph will be remembered as the match in which Harmer finally gained global recognition – a true legacy moment for the 36-year-old.
