South Africa middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen has retired from international cricket. Rassie van der Dussen was a vital part of the South African setup, especially in white-ball cricket, and carried the team forward after the retirement of experienced players like Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.
The Record
Rassie van der Dussen played 71 ODIs for the Proteas and scored 2657 runs with six centuries and 17 half-centuries. Along with 71 ODI matches, he also featured in 57 T20Is, accumulating 1406 runs with ten fifties.
The Contribution
Although Rassie van der Dussen wasn’t known much for his exploits in Test cricket, the batter did represent South Africa in 18 matches in the longest format of the game and scored 905 runs, with the highest score of 98 runs.
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The Announcement
Announcing his decision to retire from international cricket, Rassie van der Dussen wrote on social media platform X, “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.”
The Advice
Rassie van der Dussen also had a piece of advice to youngsters, which was to dream big and give their absolute best in an attempt to achieve it. In the words of Rassie, “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.
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