South African batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket.
Rassie van der Dussen retires from international cricket
"It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from International Cricket," van der Dussen wrote in a statement on social media. "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."
"Growing up in a household of four brothers – Adriaan, Nico, CE, and myself – the Proteas badge was always held as something sacred. We lived and breathed the game together, and to be the one to carry our family name onto the international stage was a responsibility I was proud to embrace. I am merely a product of my environment, and of years of camaraderie, love, and pushing for greatness."
Van der Dussen made his South Africa debut aged 29, in 2018 in a T20I against Zimbabwe. He played over 50 times in the shortest format for South Africa, as well as 18 Tests, but the ODI format was undoubtedly the one in which he most distinguished himself. He scored 93 from No.3 on debut against Pakistan, and played 71 matches in all.
He represented South Africa at the ODI World Cups in 2019 and 2023, scoring 759 runs across the tournaments at an average of 54.2 with two centuries, both in the latter. In 2023, he achieved a peak ICC ranking of No.2 in the world in the ODI format.
Van der Dussen retires with an average of 50.13 in the 50-over format, making him one of three South Africans (along with AB de Villiers and Laura Wolvaardt) to average 50-plus over 50 or more innings in ODI cricket.
He will remain active in domestic cricket, and is "committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers." Van der Dussen has also signed up to play for JB Bruges in the inaugural season of the EUT20 Belgium league, which runs from June 6-14 this year.
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