South Africa created history in Guwahati by securing their first Test series win in India in 25 years by defeating the hosts 2-0. Just months after winning the World Test Championship (WTC) title, the Proteas men achieved another major feat – and their talent was at the core of it simon harmerWho has now registered his name in the record book.
Harmer, who was part of the touring team that suffered a 3-0 defeat in India in 2015, returned as the architect of one of South Africa’s biggest wins in a decade.
Record-breaking Harmer sets best figures by a visiting bowler in India
Just weeks after crossing the 1,000 first-class wicket mark, Harmer showed why he is currently considered the most lethal Test spinner in world cricket. The off-spinner performed brilliantly in both the Test matches, taking 17 wickets at an average of 8.94, the best figures for any visiting bowler in India.
His dominance was so complete that he struck once every 28 balls, the most efficient strike rate recorded by an overseas bowler in a series on Indian soil. Harmer consistently outclassed India’s renowned batting lineup, using drift, sharp turns and exceptional control to demolish the hosts in both matches.
His performance has already been praised by analysts as one of the greatest spin-bowling exhibitions India has ever seen.
Simon Harmer becomes South Africa’s best bowler on Indian soil, surpassing Dale Steyn
Harmer’s sensational performance now places him at the top of South Africa’s all-time bowling charts in India. Like the giants have overtaken them dale steyn And Paul Adams became 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 Steyn (2008)
- 14 – Paul Adams (1996)
- 14 – Imran Tahir (2015)
For a bowler who spent years in domestic cricket and the English county circuit without consistent national recognition, this is a defining and career-defining achievement.
Also read: Fans go wild as South Africa beats India in the second Test to register a historic series whitewash
A legacy-sealing series for the experienced off-spinner
Harmer’s journey has been marked by perseverance and resilience. Despite dominating county cricket for years, he struggled to earn regular opportunities at international level. However, this series has changed everything.
With the greatest bowling performance ever by a visiting player in India, Harmer has etched his name in cricketing folklore. His efforts were not only instrumental in helping South Africa win their first series in India since 1999, but also in confirming his status as the best Test spinner in the world at the moment.
Simon Harmer has been brilliant in this test series#Simon Harmer #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/1DCl7ztnpa
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 26 November 2025
The Guwahati win will always be remembered as the match where Harmer finally got the global recognition his skills had long deserved – a real legacy moment for the 36-year-old.
