Simon Harmer surpasses Dale Steyn: Most wickets by a South African in a Test series in India

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South Africa created history in Guwahati by securing their first Test series victory in India in 25 years, completing a commanding 2-0 whitewash over the hosts. Months after lifting the World Test Championship (WTC) title, the Proteas Men delivered another monumental achievement – and at the heart of it was the brilliance of Simon Harmer, who has now etched his name into the record books.

Harmer, who was part of the touring squad that suffered a 3-0 drubbing in India back in 2015, returned a decade later as the architect of one of South Africa’s greatest away triumphs.

Weeks after crossing the landmark of 1,000 first-class wickets, Harmer showcased why he is widely considered the most lethal Test spinner in world cricket at present. The off-spinner delivered a masterclass across both Tests, claiming 17 wickets at a staggering average of 8.94 – the best figures for any visiting bowler in a Test series in India.

His dominance was so complete that he struck once every 28 balls, the most efficient strike rate ever recorded by an overseas bowler in a series on Indian soil. Harmer consistently outplayed India’s renowned batting lineup, using drift, sharp turn, and exceptional control to dismantle 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.

Harmer’s sensational run now places him at the top of South Africa’s all-time bowling charts in India. He has overtaken legends like 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:

For a bowler who spent years grinding through domestic cricket and the English county circuit without consistent national recognition, this is a defining and career-defining achievement.

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Harmer’s journey has been marked by persistence and resilience. Despite dominating county cricket for years, he struggled to earn regular opportunities at the international level. This series, however, has changed everything.

By delivering the greatest-ever bowling performance by a visiting player in India, Harmer has written his name into cricketing folklore. His efforts were instrumental in not only winning South Africa their first series in India since 1999 but also in reaffirming his status as the best Test spinner in the world right now.

Simon Harmer has been terrific in this Test series 🌟#SimonHarmer #INDvsSA

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 26, 2025

The Guwahati triumph will forever be remembered as the match where Harmer finally received the global recognition his skill has long deserved – a true legacy moment for the 36-year-old.

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