Closing out a memorable career for the Proteas, batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his immediate retirement from international cricket.
The 37-year-old player 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.”
Looking back
Van der Dussen made his T20 International (T20I) debut against Zimbabwe in 2018 and went on to represent the Proteas in 57 matches in the shortest format, scoring 1,406 runs at a strike rate of 128.75.
He also was part of the squad for the 2021 T20 World Cup in the UAE where the SA team narrowly missed out on a spot in the semifinals.
In one-day internationals, 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 included representing South Africa at the 50-over Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as the Champions Trophy tournament 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 stages of the 2023 World Cup in India – his second century of the tournament.
Van der Dussen 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 changeroom, Van der Dussen also captained the Proteas in a T20 series against West Indies in 2024, as well as during the T20 tri-series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand in 2025.
He last represented South Africa in a T20 match against Australia in Cairns in August last year.
Leaving a legacy
“Rassie’s legacy in the green and gold extends beyond his on-field performances,” said Cricket South Africa director of national teams and high performance Enoch Nkwe.
“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, and he put the team first, always supporting those around him. We thank him for everything he has contributed to the badge.”
