South Africa's top-order batter and veteran star Rassie van der Dussen has surprised the cricket world by announcing his retirement from international cricket. Having played 71 ODIs, 18 Tests and 57 T20Is, Van der Dussen has called time on his glittering career that began in 2018. His retirement comes shortly after he was omitted from Cricket South Africa’s central contracts list for the 2026–27 season. His final international appearance was in a T20I against Australia last year in August. Rassie, who was considered one of the most dependable figures in South Africa's middle order, scored 905 runs in Tests, 2,657 runs in ODIs and 1,406 runs in T20Is. He also led South Africa in a T20I series against West Indies in May 2024 and in a T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe in July 2025.
"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," Rassie van der Dussen said in a social media post.
He thanked his wife, friends, teammates and coaches, acknowledging their support 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 stated.
He was also part of South Africa’s squads in major global events, including the Cricket World Cup, where he delivered a magnificent performance against New Zealand, plundering 133 off 118 to take the side to a massive total. Importantly, the veteran batter confirmed he will continue to play domestic cricket.