On Thursday, April 2, South African batsman Rassie van der Dussen declared his retirement from international cricket. From 2018 to 2025, the 37-year-old represented the Proteas in 18 Test matches, 71 ODIs, and 57 T20Is.

In October 2018, the 29-year-old right-handed hitter made his debut for his country against Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park in East London. Given his achievements in white-ball cricket, Rassie van der Dussen should be pleased with his international career. He averaged 33.48 in T20Is and 50.13 in ODIs. He scored 4,968 runs in all three formats.

Additionally, Rassie participated in three Indian Premier League (IPL) games with the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 season. The Pretoria native announced his retirement decision on social media on Thursday. Rassie van der Dussen wrote on his official Instagram account, “I announce my retirement from international cricket with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude. Wearing 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.” The greatest honour of my life has been playing for my country,” he continued.

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Rassie van der Dussen talked about his early years and how important it was for him and his four siblings to represent their country.

“Years of hardship have made this journey possible, but the honour of representing South Africa was worth every second. The Proteas emblem was always revered in my family, which consisted of four brothers: Adriaan, Nico, CE, and me. Together, we were passionate about the game, therefore I was honoured to take on the burden of representing our family on a global scale. I am only a product of my surroundings and years of love, friendship, and striving for excellence.

He talked about how his career as an international cricket player was made possible by the Lions, the South African local team. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to Cricket South Africa and the managers and coaches he collaborated with during his career.

“I owe the Lions a great deal of appreciation, especially to Greg Fredericks and Jono Leaf-Wright, the team’s former and present CEOs. Over the years, your steadfast support and encouragement laid the groundwork for my global career.

I will always be appreciative of your belief in me over the difficult journey,” Rassie van der Dussen remarked.

“I am grateful to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas managers and coaches over the years for giving me the opportunity to wear the Proteas jersey,” he continued.

Rassie van der Dussen paused to acknowledge the work that his friend Chris Cardoso and his wife Lara had done for him throughout his international cricket career.

“To my friend Chris Cardoso, you have been my manager and agent for eighteen of the twenty-two years that we have been friends. You have also been my biggest confidant.

I am grateful for your guidance, counsel, and unwavering support at every turning point in my professional life. “To my wife, Lara, you have been by my side every single step of the way; your loyalty and wisdom have been my compass through it all,” Rassie van der Dussen wrote. You have been my greatest supporter and I could not have completed this without you. You have ridden the waves of amazing highs and challenging lows with empathy, grace, and courage,” he continued.

Rassie van der Dussen continued by expressing gratitude to his teammates and supporters for their unwavering support, which added to the uniqueness of his cricketing experience.

“Thank you to the South African people and the supporters. Nothing compares to stepping out to bat at a crowded Wanderers Stadium to the thunderous roar of Fokofpolisiekar’s Antibiotika, or to hearing “Mathousand” screamed out in the streets. It’s hard to put such moments of connection into words, and I will always remember those feelings. Thank you for including me in this story, teammates, coaches, mentors, and friends. I owe a lot of my life to cricket since it has given me everything.

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A post shared by Rassie van der Dussen (@rassie72)

Rassie gave children straightforward yet important guidance. He exhorted them to set lofty goals and work tirelessly to achieve them.

“I have always and will continue to advise young athletes to dream big and give it everything they have to realise their goals. I’ve never thought of myself as more unique or gifted than anyone else. Whatever your ambition may be, the fact that I was able to fulfil it should be evidence that you can too.

Rassie stated that even though he is no longer wearing the Proteas shirt, he will still play for the Lions. Additionally, he stated that he would be willing to assist the young people in the Rainbow Nation in developing their abilities and advancing South African cricket.

“My adventure is not over, even though my time wearing a Proteas shirt has ended. I’m determined to give back to this wonderful sport by instructing and guiding the upcoming generation of South African cricket players, and I’ll keep playing for my cherished Lions. I adore cricket and South Africa. “Thank you for everything,” he said in closing.