Rassie van der Dussen retirement: South Africa batter ends international career, stays with Lions

South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen announced retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Van der Dussen did not give a reason for the decision. Van der Dussen said availability continues for domestic side Lions.

Van der Dussen was not included in this year's centrally-contracted list. Van der Dussen last played for South Africa in March last year.

In a statement on X, Van der Dussen said, "It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket,". Van der Dussen added, "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. "

Rassie van der Dussen retirement from international cricket

Van der Dussen is 37 and is from Johannesburg. Van der Dussen debuted

for South Africa in 2018 at age 29. Van der Dussen first appeared in a T20I against Zimbabwe. Van der Dussen later became an all-format player. Van der Dussen played 18 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 57 T20 Internationals.

Van der Dussen also said, \"To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. " Van der Dussen added, "While my time in a Proteas shirt has come to an end, my journey is not over. " Van der Dussen said, "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,".

Rassie van der Dussen ODI record and career numbers

Van der Dussen appeared most effective in ODIs. Van der Dussen scored 2,657 ODI runs. Van der Dussen averaged over 50 in the format. Van der Dussen hit six hundreds and 17 fifties in ODIs. The figures underlined consistency after a late international start.

In the post, Van der Dussen thanked coaches, teammates, and family for support. Van der Dussen said, "To my wife, Lara; you have been by my side every single step of the way. " Van der Dussen added, "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,".

Van der Dussen also wrote, "To the people of South Africa and the fans; thank you. " Van der Dussen added, "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. " Van der Dussen said those memories will remain.

In the same message, Van der Dussen wrote, "Those moments of connection is difficult to describe, and those emotions will stay with me forever. " Van der Dussen added, "To my teammates, coaches, mentors, and friends; thank you for making me part of this story. " Van der Dussen also wrote, "Cricket has given me everything, and in many ways, I owe it my life,".

Rassie van der Dussen IPL and Rajasthan Royals stint

Van der Dussen played for IPL side Rajasthan Royals in 2022. Van der Dussen later struggled to attract interest in subsequent players auction. The international retirement now leaves the focus on domestic cricket. Van der Dussen said playing for Lions will continue after the Proteas chapter ends.

With inputs from PTI