Proteas Men’s batter Rassie van der Dussen has today 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.
Rassie said:
“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 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.
“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.”
Van der Dussen made his T20 International (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 the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.
In one-day internationals (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 the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2019 and 2023, as well as the ICC 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 stages 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 among his haul, including a top score of 98 against England at his home ground, the DP World Wanderers, in 2020.
A respected figure within the Proteas changeroom, 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.
Director of National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe said: “Rassie’s legacy in the green and gold extends beyond his on-field performances. 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. He put the team first and always supported those around him. We thank him for everything he has contributed to the badge.”
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki added: “Rassie delivered in key moments for the team and earned the respect of his teammates, opponents and fans alike. We thank him for his service to South African cricket and wish him every success in the next phase of his journey.”