Mumbai, Oct 23 (NationPress) Renowned South African spinner Simon Harmer has labeled India as the “most challenging team to conquer” across all formats as he anticipates being part of a formidable group of spinners during the upcoming tour of India.

Harmer, hailing from Transvaal, dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup with impressive figures of 6-50 on Day Four of the second Test, leading South Africa to a convincing eight-wicket victory in Rawalpindi on Thursday. The experienced off-spinner mentioned that he intends to leverage his bowling experience in Pakistan to excel in India.

The World Test Champions are set to visit India, where they will engage in a two-Test series, commencing with the first Test in Kolkata on November 14.

Harmer remarked, “India is a formidable opponent currently, with a vast array of stadiums presenting varied conditions and skilled players,” as cited by Telecom Asia Sport following their triumph in Rawalpindi.

In aiding his team to equal the two-match series at 1-1, the veteran spinner also reached a milestone of 1,000 first-class wickets in his 235th match. He is now the fourth South African to surpass 1,000 first-class wickets, joining the ranks of Mike Procter (1417), Alan Donald (1216), and Charlie Llewellyn (1013).

For the first time in a sub-continent series, South Africa toured with four spinners, welcoming seasoned campaigner Keshav Maharaj alongside Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, and Harmer. Maharaj was absent in the first match while Subrayen made way for the senior spinner in the second.

Harmer expressed that their success in Pakistan's spin-friendly conditions will prepare South Africa well for their forthcoming tours in India and Sri Lanka next year.

“Prior to this tour, we recognized the need to adapt quickly so that we are ready from Day One in India. India boasts a strong team, and their spinners are among the best globally,” stated Harmer.

He indicated that the initial series for South Africa is perfect for their title defense.

“Departing for India with a 1-1 result is a positive outcome. The World Test Championship focuses on victories, and achieving a 50 percent winning rate is an excellent beginning that will bolster our confidence for the next series,” Harmer shared with www.telecomasia.net.

After their success in Pakistan, Harmer mentioned that the South African spinners would apply the same strategies against India.

“We need to eliminate their boundary options, and that approach has yielded results here, so we aim to replicate it in India as well. The four of us spinners maintained constant communication and exchanged our plans. Although we struggled in the first Test, we improved in this match.”