IND vs SA 2025: 'They said the game was done and dusted' - Simon Harmer takes jibe on Indian media after Kolkata triumph

Published - 18 Nov 2025, 17:45 IST | Updated - 18 Nov 2025, 17:45 IST

South Africa's Simon Harmer took a gentle jibe on the Indian media for concluding that India had the game in their hands after being set a 124-run target in the first Test at the Eden Gardens. However, the Proteas secured a narrow 30-run in Kolkata to take the lead in the two-match Test series.

The right-arm off-spinner spoke on how the press had already ruled South Africa out of the contest at the end of Day 2. Harmer said that there was belief in the camp at the end of the second day and that it was a collective effort from the team to pull off the turnaround.

"It was a foregone conclusion. The Indian media said this game was done and dusted. On that wicket, we just needed one partnership and I think the way Temba batted, his tempo, he had a very solid and definite game plan. There was definitely the belief. We were thinking we could have got to 150 there. And then we go out and Marco gets those two wickets and with Shubman not playing, they were effectively none for three. We thought we had a real chance. Everybody chipped in. It's cliché but it was a proper team effort," stated on talkSPORT.

Harmer also recounted that many players who had been on the wrong side of results in India in the past were overjoyed when things finally swung in their favour. To conclude, he mentioned that it was good to be on the winning side.

"The chat at the end of Day 2 was a chip and a chair. If you've got a chip and chair at the table, you've got a chance. Sort of manifesting that and for it to come into reality the next day, to sit back down, I think there are a few boys in the dressing room who have been on the other side of the result more often than not, especially in India. They were extremely excited and chuffed. The noise when Axar was hitting those sixes in the stadium was deafening. So yeah, you're hoping things go your way, and they did," he added.

SA don't win often in India, so we're happy: Simon Harmer

South Africa, who got bowled out for 159 and conceded a 30-run first innings lead, were led from the front by skipper Temba Bavuma in the second innings. He top-scored with 55 to his name, as the Proteas were bowled out for 153 in 54 overs.

Harmer, who had picked up four wickets in the first innings, picked up another four in India's second to dismantle their batting lineup and ensure that the hosts were bowled out for just 93.