Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished seven-year career.
The 37-year-old leaves the international stage as one of South Africa’s most dependable top-order batters, known for his calm presence and ability to deliver under pressure.
Rassie said:
“It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from International Cricket.
“To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands a level of resilience and dedication that both tests, and rewards you in the most incredible way. To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life.
“This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment.
“Thank you to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas coaches and managers throughout the years for affording me the platform to wear the Proteas jersey.
“To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. There is no feeling quite like hearing ‘MaThousand’ called out in the streets, or the spine-tingling experience of walking out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the deafening roar of Antibiotika. Those moments of connection are difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever.”
Van der Dussen made his T20 International debut against Zimbabwe in 2018, going on to play 57 matches and scoring 1,406 runs at a strike rate of 128.75. He was also part of South Africa’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.
In One-Day Internationals, he made an immediate impact with a composed 93 on debut against Pakistan in 2019 – a sign of what was to come. He finished with an impressive average of over 50 across 71 matches, scoring 2,657 runs, including six centuries and 17 half-centuries.
His career highlights include representing South Africa at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025. One of his standout performances came during the 2023 World Cup in India, where he struck a brilliant 133 off 118 balls against New Zealand.
In Test cricket, he featured in 18 matches after debuting in 2019, registering six half-centuries, with a highest score of 98 against England at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in 2020.
Beyond the numbers, van der Dussen was a respected figure in the Proteas changeroom. He captained the side in a T20I series against the West Indies in 2024, as well as in a tri-series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand.
Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, paid tribute to his influence:
“Rassie’s legacy in the green and gold extends beyond his on-field performances. He was a strong senior voice in the changeroom who helped drive team culture and standards, always leading by example.
“He truly embodied what it meant to be a Protea. He put the team first and always supported those around him. We thank him for everything he has contributed to the badge.”
Pholetsi Moseki added:
“Rassie delivered in key moments for the team and earned the respect of his teammates, opponents and fans alike. We thank him for his service to South African cricket and wish him every success in the next phase of his journey.”
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