Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a consistent run with South Africa. The decision follows his omission from Cricket South Africa’s central contract list, essentially signaling the closure of his international chapter.
The 37-year-old made his last appearance in the Champions Trophy against New Zealand in Lahore, where he scored 69 in defeat as South Africa fell behind in the chase by 363 runs. Taking to social media to confirm his decision, van der Dussen reflected on his journey and thanked those who have supported him throughout his career.
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“It is with a proud heart and a deep sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from International Cricket. Wearing the Proteas jersey is a feat that requires a level of resilience and dedication that tests and rewards you in the most incredible way. Playing for my country has been the greatest honor of my life.”
“This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa has been worth every moment.”
“To my wife Lara; you’ve been by my side every step of the way. You’ve ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength and you’ve been my biggest cheerleader and I couldn’t have done it without,” he added.
RASSIE VAN DER DUSSEN’S CAREER IN NUMBERS
Van der Dussen made his international debut in 2018 against Zimbabwe aged 29 and went on to represent South Africa across all three formats until 2025. Despite a relatively late start, he built a reputation as a reliable middle-order batsman, particularly in white-ball cricket.
He played 18 Tests, scoring 905 runs at an average of 30.16, with six half-centuries. While he has shown flashes of solidity in the format, he has failed to cement a long-term spot in the red-ball side when he last appeared against Australia at the Gabba in December 2022.
In ODI cricket, van der Dussen has been most effective. He appeared in 71 matches, scoring 2657 runs at an average of 50.13, including six centuries and 17 fifties. He was a key part of the South African batting unit, often anchoring the innings under pressure, and featured in the 2019 and 2023 ODI World Cups. He also captained the team in one ODI in 2024.
He played 57 matches in T20Is, scoring 1406 runs at an average of 33.47 and a strike rate of 128.75, with 10 half-centuries. His ability to balance stability with controlled aggression made him a valuable asset in the format.
He amassed 4,968 international runs across formats, making a significant contribution during a transitional phase for South African cricket. He also had a brief stint in the IPL with Rajasthan Royals, albeit with limited success.
As his international career drew to a close, van der Dussen indicated he would continue to be involved in the game through domestic cricket and mentoring, stepping down after more than seven years at the highest level.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
02 Apr 2026 13:51 IST
