“The Greatest Honour Of My Life” – Proteas Legend Retires
Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen, 37, announced his immediate retirement from international cricket today.
Ending a distinguished seven-year career, the top-order anchor retires with an elite ODI average above 50 and over 4,000 runs across all formats.
Van der Dussen 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. Representing 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 over the years for giving me the platform to wear the 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 are difficult to describe, and they 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 was also part of the squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021.
In One-Day Internationals (ODIs), he made an immediate impression with a composed 93 on debut against Pakistan in 2019—an indication of what was to come. He averaged over 50 in 71 matches, scoring 2,657 runs, including six centuries and 17 half-centuries.
His career highlights include representing South Africa at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, as well as the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A standout moment came during the 2023 World Cup in India, where he struck a superb 133 off 118 balls against New Zealand—his second century of the tournament.
He also featured in 18 Test matches after making his debut in 2019, registering six half-centuries, including a top score of 98 against England at his home ground, the DP World Wanderers, in 2020. A respected figure in the Proteas dressing room, van der Dussen also captained South Africa in a T20I series against the West Indies in 2024, as well as in a T20I tri-series involving Zimbabwe and New Zealand last year.
Nkwe, Director of National Teams and High Performance, said:
“Rassie’s legacy in the green and gold extends beyond his on-field performances. He was a strong senior voice in the dressing room 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 consistently 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.”
