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New Delhi: After an underwhelming India tour in 2015, Simon Harmer opted to sign the 'Kolpak' deal in 2017 aware that it could be the end of his international career.
But eight years down the line, Harmer has not only returned, he made a splash for South Africa in India, spinning them to a 408-run win in the second Test in Guwahati.
Now 36, Harmer was adjudged the player of the series that South Africa won 2-0 for a series whitewash in India, their first win in 25 years.
Harmer is glad that he backed his abilities and focussed on performing on the field, rather than throwing in the towel.
"Not in a million years (did I think of playing in India again) and hence it feels surreal," he said after South Africa’s comprehensive series win.
"Yeah, I think when I signed the Kolpak agreement, as a part of that agreement is that you sign a declaration to say that you never play for your country of birth again. So I made peace with the fact that this was the decision that I was taking.
"All I have ever wanted to do is to be able to look back at the end of the career and say that I was the best version of Simon Harmer that I could be and the steps I took when I was dropped from the national side to try and get better.
"I just wanted to be able to turn around and say that I left no stone unturned.”
Due to his Kolpak deal, Harmer has played in only 14 Tests in the past 10 years, with a seven-year gap between 2015 and 2022.
"I would have tried as much as I could but never in a million years did I think that I would have another shot at international cricket. Never in a million years did I think that I would come to India again," he said with a smile.
"So to be here, to win 2-0, to be man of the series, it's pretty special and quite surreal. I think, it will take some time for it to sort of sink in and to digest, but yeah, I think it's very special.
"I'm very happy with the way that things have panned out and very grateful to Temba and Shukri for giving me an opportunity to come back and play Test cricket."
