New Delhi: After being left out of this year’s centrally-contracted list, South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday. Der Dussen did not specify the reason for his retirement but said that he will not be available for his domestic side Lions.
The 37-year-old cricketer from Johannesburg, who has not been part of South Africa side since March last year, has represented the country in 18 Test matches, 71 ODIs and 57 T20Is after making his debut in 2018.
Der Dussen confirms decision on social media
‘It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket,’ van der Dussen said in a statement on ‘X’.
‘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.’
💚🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/htGZnfLqPR
— Rassie van der Dussen (@Rassie72) April 2, 2026
The South Africa players made his debut in 2018 in a T20I game against Zimbabwe before becoming an all-format player. In his career, he scored 2657 runs including six centuries and 17 half-centuries in the ODIs, the format in which he proved to be most effective.
Furthermore, he thanked his coaches, teammates and his wife for the support they gave him throughout his career. Meanwhile in the IPL, he played for the Rajasthan Royals team in 2022 but has struggled to find any buyers in the players’ auction thereafter.
Couple of days back, Cricket South Africa announced the central contracts list for 2026-27 season which saw big names like Der Dussen, David Miller, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams being omitted from the list. Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis and Karabo Meso were awarded national deals for the first time.