Guwahati, Nov 26 (UNI) South Africa’s series triumph over India drew glowing praise from Player of the Series Simon Harmer, who credited fellow spinner Keshav Maharaj and skipper Temba Bavuma for tactical calls that shaped his defining spell in the final Test.
Harmer highlighted the impact of sharp catching from Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen in the slips, and said Bavuma’s timely intervention proved decisive.
“I felt it was a left-hander’s wicket from that end. Temba asked me to change — a great decision — and I’m happy it brought us wickets,” he said.
He also lauded Maharaj’s consistency and stature in world cricket. “Kesh’s record speaks for itself.
He deserves to be the number one spinner. I’m happy to play the supporting role,” Harmer said.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the victory, Harmer said his decade-long return to Test cricket made the achievement particularly meaningful.
“It’s been a long road. Ten years later, this is a completely different feeling. I will leave with far fonder memories,” he said. “To beat a very good Indian team is a hell of an effort.”
He said South Africa always expected India to resist strongly in the second innings but backed their discipline to create chances.
“After 40 overs the ball got softer and batting got easier, but there was always that odd-ball, like the one Rishabh got,” Harmer noted.
“We knew they would bat for their lives. They put up one hell of a fight, but if we hit the right areas, things would happen,” he said.
Harmer said he would now turn his focus to another county stint with Essex and games with the Titans. “I didn’t bat well; Jasprit had my number,” he quipped.
Player of the Match Marco Jansen said the victory felt particularly special because it came in India.
“Winning any game is nice, but winning in India is special,” he said. “We spoke about sticking to our own things. If it works, it works.”
He credited batting coach Justin “Shuks” Sammons for helping him settle after early nerves.
“He told me to go and play my game. Everyone is working hard — in team prep and individually. We look at where we can get better, and on the field we give our best,” Jansen said.
