Team milestones trump personal achievements, says Simon Harmer after earning the Player of the Series award in India

Proteas spinner Simon Harmer told reporters in Guwahati that the team's milestones mean more to him than his personal achievement as he walked away with the Player of the Series award in India.

South Africa beat India by 408 runs in the second Test at the ACA Stadium on Wednesday and secured a 2-0 series triumph, their first on Indian soil in 25 years. 

Harmer stood out throughout the series, having copped the Player of the Match award in the first Test in Kolkata for his twin four-fers, and the Player of the Series award following his six-for in the fourth innings of the second Test in Guwahati. 

Despite having redeemed himself after having a less successful tour to India a decade ago, Harmer emphasised that winning the series with this current group of players means more to him than his 17-wicket tally in the series. 

"I think coming to India, understanding that it was going to be a difficult series, they're a world-class team, especially in their own conditions," Harmer said. 

"So, for me, the focus was always trying to win the series and the team's success. The personal stuff is nice to have, but I would have been very happy to leave India, making a small contribution and the team winning the series.

"I think it's a bonus or the cherry on the top that I've done well. Obviously, I've spoken about it a bit; 2015 was a tough time. To be on the other end of that, after winning 2-0 in India, again, is a bonus.

"The biggest thing for me is the team we have, the enjoyment. I think you can see it on TV, how excited everybody is for one another's success.

"I think that brings me the biggest joy, sharing a changing room with these guys, world test champions, and being part of that, being part of the team's success. For me, those are the personal wins, not the personal milestones."