Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.
The 37-year-old calls time on a distinguished seven-year international career, during which he established himself as one of South Africa’s most dependable top-order batters.
“It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket,” Van der Dussen said.
“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.
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“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 is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever.”
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Van der Dussen made his T20I debut against Zimbabwe in 2018 and went on to represent the Proteas in 57 matches, scoring 1 406 runs at a strike rate of 128.75. He also was part of the squad for theT20 World Cup in 2021.
In ODIs, he made an immediate impression with a composed 93 on debut against Pakistan in 2019 – a sign of what was to come. He averaged over 50 in 71 matches, underlining his reliability at the crease with 2,657 runs, including six hundreds and 17 half-centuries.
His career highlights include representing South Africa at ODI World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as the Champions Trophy in 2025. A standout moment on the global stage came when he struck a superb 133 off 118 balls against New Zealand during the group stage of the 2023 World Cup in India – his second century of the tournament.
He also featured in 18 Tests after making his debut in the red-ball format in 2019, with six half-centuries amongst his haul, including a top score of 98 against England at his home ground, the Wanderers, in 2020.
A respected figure within the Proteas change room, Van der Dussen also captained the Proteas in a T20I series against the West Indies in 2024, as well as during the T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand last year.
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“Rassie’s legacy in the green and gold extends beyond his on-field performances,” said CSA director of national teams and high performance Enoch Nkwe.
“He was a strong senior voice in the change room 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.”
Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Gallo Images
