"The Indian media said this game was done and dusted" - Simon Harmer's subtle dig at critics after 8-wicket haul in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

South African spinner Simon Harmer took a subtle dig at critics after their victory over India in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The Proteas won by 30 runs to go 1-0 up in the two-match series.

In the first innings, the visitors were bowled out for 159. They managed to restrict India to 189 and then got to 153 in the second innings, setting the hosts a 124-run target. At the end of the second day, South Africa were 93/7. However, skipper Temba Bavuma and Corbin Bosch struck a crucial 44-run stand that gave them a chance in the game. Bavuma led from the front with an unbeaten 55.

After their victory, Simon Harmer stated that the Indian media believed the game was done and dusted at the end of day two. However, he reflected that they had the belief and praised Bavuma along with the entire team for their effort.

"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 cliche but it was a proper team effort," he said on 'talkSPORTCricket'.

Simon Harmer played a massive role in their victory. He bagged eight wickets in the match, picking four wickets in each innings. The off-spinner returned figures of 4/30 in the first innings and 4/21 in the second. He was also named 'Player of the Match' for his stunning display.

Further, he added that they had the belief at the end of day two and manifested a victory. As a lot of their players had been on the wrong side of the results previously, he reflected that this win was special. After India were five down for 64 in the chase, Axar Patel gave the hosts a brief hope with his quickfire 17-ball 26 that included two sixes.

However, the Proteas managed to hold their nerves and eventually wrapped up the game.

"The chat at the end of day two 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's a few boys in the dressing room who have been on the other side of the result more often than not, especially in India. So 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 do," Simon Harmer reflected.

India were skittled out for just 93 while chasing 124 runs. South Africa will now aim to clinch the series by winning the second Test in Guwahati.

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Simon Harmer opens up on the 2016 Mumbai trip that changed his career

Post his terrific performance, Simon Harmer revealed that he had visited Mumbai in 2016 to train with Mumbai-based coach Umesh Patwal. Harmer opened up on how Patwal helped him develop his knowledge and skills about spin bowling.

"I think the turning point in my career was that trip to Mumbai in 2016. I got to work with Umesh Patwal and basically, everything I thought I knew about spin bowling, he laughed at. It was the most frustrating two weeks of my life. The things that I thought were important it was just thrown out of the window. The evolution from there, it's a constant learning process," he said.

"As an off spinner its the little subtle changes that make the difference. I love getting into competition with the batters and there's no better place to do it than in the subcontinent and the peak of that is here in India, because they are some of the best players of spin in the world," he added.

Simon Harmer has been impressive in his short Test career so far. In just 13 matches, he has bagged 60 wickets at an average of 23.38 with seven four-wicket and a five-wicket haul.