Johannesburg, South Africa – South African off-spinner Simon Harmer has been nominated for the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for November 2025 following a stellar performance in the recent Test series against India. The 36-year-old played a pivotal role in the Proteas' historic 2-0 series victory, their first Test series win in India in 25 years.

Harmer's outstanding performance saw him claim a staggering 17 wickets across the two Tests, at an exceptional average of just 8.94. His ability to consistently trouble the Indian batsmen on turning tracks proved to be a key factor in South Africa's success. In the first Test, Harmer took eight wickets and followed it up with nine more in the second Test, including a match-defining 6 for 37 in the second innings. This performance earned him the Player of the Series award.

Harmer's nomination acknowledges not only his prolific wicket-taking but also his instrumental role in securing a landmark series win for South Africa. His experience and skill were on full display as he navigated the challenging Indian conditions, exploiting the spin-friendly surfaces to his advantage. His 17 wickets in the series surpassed Dale Steyn's previous record of 15 wickets for a South African bowler in a Test series in India, set in 2008.

The ICC's Men’s Player of the Month award recognizes the best performances from around the world in a given month. Harmer faces stiff competition for the November award from Bangladesh's Taijul Islam and Pakistan's Mohammad Nawaz.

Taijul Islam, a left-arm spinner, is nominated after taking 13 wickets in the two-Test series against Ireland, helping Bangladesh secure a 2-0 series win. He was also named Player of the Series for his efforts.

Mohammad Nawaz, an all-rounder, had a productive month in white-ball cricket, contributing with both bat and ball in Pakistan's tri-series victory over Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. He scored 104 runs and took four wickets in ODIs, and added 52 runs and 11 wickets in T20Is. Nawaz's crucial 3 for 17 in the tri-series final against Sri Lanka earned him the Player of the Series award.

The winner of the ICC Men's Player of the Month award for November will be determined through a combination of votes from an independent ICC voting academy and fans around the world. The ICC is expected to announce the winner next week. Harmer's significant contribution to South Africa's historic Test series win positions him as a strong contender for the prestigious award.