South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen (37) has announced his retirement from international cricket. This brings the curtain down on a career he described as “the greatest honor of his life”.
In a heartfelt statement about his retirement, Van der Dussen reflected on what it means to wear the Proteas jersey. “Playing for my country was the greatest honor of my life,” he wrote. The years of sacrifice were worth every moment for the privilege of representing South Africa, he added.
Born on February 7, 1989, Van der Dussen grew up in a household of four brothers: Adriaan, Nic, CE and himself. In that house, the Proteas badge was treated like something sacred.
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“Together we lived and breathed the game and to be the one to bring our family name to the international stage was a responsibility I was proud to take on. I am only a product of my environment and years of camaraderie, love and striving for glory,” writes the author of the dough.
He credits his family environment, built on camaraderie and a shared love of the game, as the foundation of all he has achieved.
He reserved special thanks to the Lions franchise and its current and former general managers, Jono Leaf-Wright and Greg Fredericks. He thanked them for their unwavering support throughout his career.
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He also praised Cricket South Africa, head coach Enoch Nkwe and all the coaches and managers who gave him the platform to represent his country.
Advice for young people
Rassie van der Dussen has paid tribute to his long-time agent and friend Chris Cardoso, who managed him for 18 of their 22 years of friendship. He described Cardoso as his greatest confidant and the compass that guided him through every major decision in his career.
The emotional mention went to his wife Lara, whom he called his “biggest cheerleader.” He called her a person who went through all the highs and lows of her career with empathy, grace and strength.
“You were my biggest cheerleader, I couldn’t have done it without,” he wrote.
He also talked about deeply personal moments that will stay with him forever. He remembered hearing “MaThousand” called out in the streets and walked out to bat at a packed Wanderers Stadium to the roar of Fokofpolisiekar’s Antibiotics.
Van der Dussen has confirmed he will continue to play for the Lions. He added that he remains committed to mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers.
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“My advice to young players has always been and always will be, dream big and give absolutely everything you have to achieve your dreams,” he wrote.
“I have never considered myself more special or naturally talented than others. The simple fact that I was able to live out my ultimate dream should serve as proof that you can too – no matter what your dream is,” he added.
Statistics by Rassie van der Dussen
In his Test career, Rassie van der Dussen played 18 matches and scored 905 runs at an average of 30.16. He played 71 matches in ODIs and scored 2,657 runs at an average of 50.13. He made 6 centuries with the highest score being 134 (vs England).
He played 8 ODIs against India and scored 291 runs. He has a century against the Men in Blue (129*).
Rassie van der Dussen has played 57 T20I matches in his career. He scored 1,406 runs at a strike rate of 128.75. His highest score in T20 Internationals is 94*.
He played for IPL for one season. In 2022, he played 3 matches for Rajasthan Royals and scored 22 runs. Not signed for any team in IPL 2026.
