South Africa star announces retirement in between ongoing Champions Trophy 2025
Published - 28 Feb 2025, 11:09 AM | Updated - 28 Feb 2025, 11:37 PM
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Rassie van der Dussen has made a bold admission about his international future ahead of South Africa’s crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against England on March 1.
With younger players making their mark, the 36-year-old Rassie van der Dussen admitted that his journey with the South African team may not last much longer, and his place in the squad is not guaranteed.
South Africa’s current focus is on preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup at home, and van der Dussen has hinted that the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could be his last ICC tournament.
However, he has not yet made any firm decisions about his future, but he admitted the possibility that he might not be part of the South African team’s long-term plans after this tournament.
Dussen’s South Africa future uncertain as young Proteas stars push for spots
The competition for spots in the team is getting tougher, with young talents like Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton—both are currently playing in the Champions Trophy 2025—waiting to get regular chances in the South African cricket team.
Even in the South African domestic cricket, names like Matthew Breetzke and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are making headlines with big performances, and van der Dussen is well aware that if he does not deliver, there are plenty of players ready to step in, and he is really happy to see the competition in the team.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 can be Rassie van der Dussen's last global tournament
Rassie van der Dussen was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo, “It's definitely a possibility that it's my last ICC tournament. I'm not saying that with any preconceived ideas that I'll call time on it or management will call time on my career. It's just the reality.”
The right-handed batter said that it is a great thing that there are so many young players coming through and they are doing really well, so he does not expect any special treatment; instead, he remains focused on performing at his best in every opportunity he gets.
He added, “I'm not blind to the possibility that if I don't perform, someone won't be there to take my place. I certainly don't expect any preferential treatment because I think in a healthy environment, guys push each other organically, and that pushes everyone to be better.”
Rassie van der Dussen to discuss his future with the team management after the CT 2025
Meanwhile, Rassie van der Dussen revealed that he would reassess his future after the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as his national contract ends in April. He will discuss his future with the head coach, Rob Walter, and director Enoch Nkwe before deciding the next step.
The top-order batter said that he is putting a lot of time into his body and feels he is playing good cricket, but he knows that the younger players are emerging and could challenge his place. If he can still perform at the highest level and he’s still good enough for the next two years, then he hopes to stay in contention for the future selections and the ODI World Cup 2027 at home.
'If I'm offered another contract, I'll definitely take it'
However, van der Dussen admitted that if he cannot keep up with the rising talents, he will step aside when the time comes. The Proteas batter signed off by saying, “My ultimate goal has always been to play for the Proteas. People are asking me, are you going to play leagues afterwards? I don't know.
I don't know if the prospect of not playing for the Proteas goes away; I'll have that hunger to play in the leagues. Representing my country has always been one of my big and only goals, so if that falls away, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. If I'm offered another contract, I'll definitely take it and commit for that time period.”
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