Rassie van der Dussen retires from international cricket days after CSA's central contract omission

Rassie van der Dussen penned an emotional tribute as he signed off, thanking his wife, fans and the wider cricketing circle for their unwavering support .

Updated on: Apr 2, 2026, 12:42:45 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen has called time on his international career, sharing a heartfelt message reflecting on his journey. He thanked his wife, along with teammates, coaches, mentors and friends who stood by him over the years. The decision came shortly after he was left out of Cricket South Africa’s hybrid contracts, bringing an end to his time with the national side just days later.

South Africa's Rassie van der Dussen announces retirement from international cricket. (AP)

The Proteas star built a dependable record for South Africa, making his biggest mark in limited-overs cricket. In Tests, he played 18 matches and scored 905 runs, registering six half-centuries. His ODI numbers were far stronger, with 2657 runs from 71 games at an average close to 50, including six centuries and 17 fifties, often anchoring the innings. In T20Is, he featured in 57 matches and scored 1406 runs at a strike rate of around 129, with 10 fifties. Across formats, he was valued for his composure, ability to absorb pressure, and knack for building innings when the team needed stability.

Van der Dussen penned an emotional tribute as he signed off, thanking his wife, fans and the wider cricketing circle for their unwavering support and the memories that shaped his journey.

"To my wife, Lara; you have been by my side every single step of the way. You have ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength, and you have been my biggest cheerleader, whom I could not have done this without."

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 Fokofpolisiekar’s Antibiotika. Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever. To my teammates, coaches, mentors, and friends; thank you for making me part of this story. Cricket has given me everything, and in many ways, I owe it my life," he wrote on X.

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“my journey is not over”: Van der Dussen

Van der Dussen also shared a heartfelt message for aspiring cricketers, reflecting on his journey while confirming he will continue in domestic cricket and give back to the game through mentoring the next generation.

"My advice to young players has always been, and will remain, to dream big and give absolutely everything you have to achieve your dreams. I have never viewed myself as more special or naturally talented than the next person. The simple fact that I have been able to live out my ultimate dream should serve as proof that you can too—no matter what your dream might be.

While my time in a Proteas shirt has come to an end, my journey is not over. I will continue to play for my beloved Lions, and I am committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers. I love South Africa, and I love cricket. Thank you for everything. Rassie van der Dussen," he concluded.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

Rassie Van Der Dussen

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