Rassie van der Dussen has openly discussed his international future before South Africa’s important ICC Champions Trophy 2025 match against England on March 1.
Rassie van der Dussen Reflects on His International Future
With younger players stepping up, 36-year-old Rassie van der Dussen admitted that his time with the South African team might be coming to an end, and his spot in the squad isn’t certain.
South Africa is currently focusing on preparing for the 2027 ODI World Cup at home, and van der Dussen has suggested that the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could be his final ICC tournament.
However, he hasn’t made any final decisions about his future yet, but he acknowledged that he might not be part of South Africa’s long-term plans after this tournament.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Van der Dussen Hints It Could Be His Final Tournament
The competition for spots in the team is getting stronger, with young players like Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton– who are all playing in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 – hoping to get regular places in the South African team.
Also, players like Matthew Breetzke and Lhuan-dre Pretorius are impressive in domestic cricket with great performances. Van der Dussen knows that if he doesn’t perform well, there are plenty of players ready to take his place, and he is happy to see such strong competition in the team.
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 it’s great that so many young players are emerging and performing well. He doesn’t expect any special treatment and stays focused on giving his best at 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 will reassess his future after the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, as his national contract ends in April. He plans to discuss his next steps with head coach Rob Walter and director Enoch Nkwe. While focused on staying fit and performing well, he acknowledges the competition from younger players and hopes to remain in contention for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Van der Dussen acknowledged that if he can’t keep up with the emerging talents, he will step aside when the time comes. He said:
“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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