South African batter Rassie van der Dussen announced his retirement from international cricket on Thursday, April 2. The 37-year-old played 18 Tests, 71 ODIs, and 57 T20Is for the Proteas from 2018 to 2025.

The right-handed batter made his international debut in October 2018 against Zimbabwe at Buffalo Park in East London at the age of 29. Rassie could be proud of his international career, especially with his performances in white-ball cricket. He averaged 50.13 in ODIs and 33.48 in T20Is. Across the three formats, he aggregated 4,968 runs.

Rassie also played three matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for the Rajasthan Royals in the 2022 edition of the tournament. On Thursday, the Pretoria-born took to social media and made his retirement decision public. 

"It is with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude that I announce my retirement from international cricket," Rassie van der Dussen wrote on his official Instagram account.

"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 lie," he added.

Rassie recalled his childhood days and mentioned that representing his country meant a lot to him and his four siblings.

“This journey has been paved with years of sacrifice, but the privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment. Growing up in a household of four brothers – Adriaan, Nico, CE, and myself – the Proteas badge was always held as something sacred. We lived and breathed the game together, and to be the one to carry our family name onto the international stage was a responsibility I was proud to embrace. I am merely a product of my environment, and of years of camaraderie, love, and pushing for greatness.

He mentioned how the Lions (domestic cricket team in South Africa) paved the way for him to become an international player. He also thanked Cricket South Africa, the coaches and managers he worked with during his career.

“I owe a massive debt of gratitude to the Lions, and specifically to Lions current and former chief executive officers, Jono Leaf-Wright and Greg Fredericks. Your unwavering backing and support over the years provided the foundation upon which my international career was built. You believed in me when the road was long, and for that, I will always be grateful," Rassie said.

“Thank you to Cricket South Africa, Enoch Nkwe, and all the Proteas coaches and managers throughout the years for affording me the platform to wear the Proteas jersey," he added.

Rassie took a moment to appreciate the efforts put in by his friend Chris Cardoso and his wife Lara during his journey in international cricket.

“To my friend, Chris Cardoso; we have been friends for 22 years, and for 18 of those, you have been my agent and manager. More than that, you have been my greatest confidant. Thank you for guiding me, for advising me, and for standing squarely in my corner at every single decision-making intersection of my career. Your loyalty and wisdom have been my compass through it all," Rassie wrote.

"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," he added.

Rassie went on to thank his fellow players and fans for their constant support, which made his cricketing journey all the more special.

“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 team-mates, 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.

View this post on Instagram

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