New Delhi: South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on a career that saw him emerge as one of the country’s most dependable white-ball performers.
The 35-year-old announced a statement on social media, expressing gratitude for his journey with the Proteas.
“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 most particularly. 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,” he said in a statement.
Van der Dussen debuted at age 29 in a T20I against Zimbabwe after a strong domestic and global T20 record across various leagues and countries. His steady domestic cricket performances, including notable seasons in South Africa’s first-class cricket, led to his selection for the national team.
Although he has appeared in 18 Tests since his debut against England in 2019, van der Dussen excelled in the ODI format. He was instrumental in South Africa’s 2019 World Cup run and subsequently became a regular in the middle order. His ODI stats are impressive, with 2657 runs in 71 matches at an average above 50, making him the second-best among South Africans after AB de Villiers.
Reflecting on those who supported his journey, van der Dussen added, “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.”
He also acknowledged the support of his wife and the South African fans, recalling iconic moments such as walking out to bat at the Wanderers Stadium. “To my wife, Lara, you have been by my side every single step of the way. You have ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength, and you have been my biggest cheerleader, whom I could not have done this without.
“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 Fokofpolisiekar’s Antibiotika. Those moments of connection are difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever,” Van der Dussen added.
Across formats, he ends his career with 905 runs from 18 Tests (six 50s), 2657 runs from 71 ODIs (six 100s, 17 50s) and 1406 runs from 57 T20Is (10 50s). Despite stepping away from international cricket, van der Dussen confirmed that he will continue to play domestic cricket and contribute to the game’s future.
“To my teammates, coaches, mentors, and friends, thank you for making me part of this story. Cricket has given me everything, and in many ways, I owe it my life. My advice to young players has always been, and will remain, to dream big and give absolutely everything you have to achieve your dreams. I have never viewed myself as more special or naturally talented than the next person. The simple fact that I have been able to live out my ultimate dream should serve as proof that you can too, no matter what your dream might be.
“While my time in a Proteas shirt has come to an end, my journey is not over. I will continue to play for my beloved Lions, and I am committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers. I love South Africa, and I love cricket. Thank you for everything,” he concluded.
