While many in South African cricket are focused on building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup at home, Rassie van der Dussen is considering the possibility that the Champions Trophy 2025 might be his final international multi-team tournament.
Turning 36 this month, Van der Dussen is realistic about his career timeline, especially with emerging younger batting talents in South Africa. He understands his time in the national team is finite.
“It’s quite possible this could be my last ICC tournament,” Van der Dussen admitted from Karachi, where South Africa is preparing for their upcoming match against England. “I’m not declaring retirement or anticipating management decisions, but it’s a realistic outlook.”
He welcomes the influx of young talent performing well, mentioning players like Tristan Stubbs and Tony de Zorzi, and domestic performers such as Matthew Breetzke and Lhuan-dre Pretorius. He also acknowledged Ryan Rickelton’s emergence, emphasizing the healthy competition within the team.
“The depth of young players is fantastic,” he stated. “If I don’t perform, there are capable players ready to step in. I don’t expect special treatment; healthy competition is vital for improvement.”
Van der Dussen noted that Stubbs, de Zorzi, and Rickelton are all vying for spots in South Africa’s top order for the Champions Trophy. He has been a consistent No. 3 for South Africa since 2019, boasting a high ODI batting average and a reputation for consistency. However, his recent form has seen a slight dip.
Prior to his half-century against Afghanistan, he had gone ten innings without one, and thirteen since his last century. With Heinrich Klaasen returning to fitness, Van der Dussen recognizes the pressure to perform to maintain his place if the other in-form batsmen are retained.
South Africa has indicated Klaasen is fit for the England match, suggesting a potential lineup change where de Zorzi might sit out, allowing Van der Dussen to participate in a tournament he has long aimed for. “The Champions Trophy was always a target for me, and I’ll reassess after it,” he said. “My national contract is up in April.”
He plans to discuss his future with coach Rob Walter and director Enoch Nkwe to understand their vision for his role. “I believe I’m playing well and investing in my fitness. If I’m still competitive in two years, I hope to be considered. If younger players surpass me, that’s also acceptable.”
Unlike some contemporaries seeking league opportunities over national contracts, Van der Dussen prioritizes playing for South Africa. “My primary goal has always been the Proteas,” he affirmed. “I’m unsure about pursuing leagues if national duties end. Representing my country remains my biggest aspiration. If offered another contract, I’ll accept it.”
Even if his contract doesn’t extend to 2027, Van der Dussen is committed to contributing to South Africa’s ODI progress towards the home World Cup. “Management will likely want to build the 2027 World Cup team, but with various leagues, consistent availability will be a challenge. Even in a transitional role, I’m committed. Playing for my country is paramount; leagues are secondary.”
He confirmed his retirement from red-ball cricket, declining a recent county offer to focus on his short-format game. “I can’t envision playing more red-ball cricket,” he stated.
Instead, he’s dedicated to enhancing his T20 skills. “Leagues, including T10, have improved my game. I’m still driven and performing well.”
South Africa has at least one more Champions Trophy match and could advance to the semi-finals. They face England, who are eliminated but remain a formidable opponent. “We approached this tournament viewing the England match as a potential quarter-final. While their qualification status has changed, it’s still England. We are highly motivated to play them.”
