Champions Trophy 2025 – South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen at peace with uncertainty over future

Having turned 36 earlier this month, van der Dussen currently participates in only one format for South Africa, despite having played in all three. As he ages and newer talent emerges, he acknowledges that his tenure with the team is not indefinite.

“It’s certainly a possibility that this could be my last ICC tournament. I’m not implying that I or the management will end my career imminently. It’s just the reality,” van der Dussen shared from Karachi, where South Africa is getting ready for their final group stage match against England.

Before scoring 52 against Afghanistan, van der Dussen had gone 10 innings without a half-century and it’s been 13 outings since his last hundred. While there are no indications that he’s at risk of being dropped – his presence at a press conference also suggests his safety in the squad – the return of Klaasen could put him under pressure if Bavuma, de Zorzi, and Rickelton are all retained.

South Africa has not disclosed any updates on Klaasen’s elbow injury or whether he passed a fitness test prior to the rain-affected match against Australia. If Klaasen is ready for the starting XI against England, it is likely that de Zorzi will miss out, granting van der Dussen a chance at a title he’s been aiming for. “For me, reaching the Champions Trophy was always my goal, and then we can reassess after that,” he stated. “My national contract expires at the end of April.

“My ultimate aim has always been to play for the Proteas. People are asking me if I plan to play leagues afterwards. I honestly don’t know—if the opportunity to not represent the Proteas disappears, I don’t think I’ll have the same desire to play in the leagues.”

Rassie van der Dussen

“I’ll have conversations with Rob [Walter] and Enoch [Nkwe, director of national teams and high performance] to evaluate their perspective on my future role. I believe I am performing well. I’ve been dedicating significant time to my physical fitness. If I’m still up to par in two years, I’d like to think I’m still in contention. If not, if younger players surpass me and I can’t keep pace, that’s perfectly acceptable.”

Unlike some players in the latter stages of their careers worldwide – such as Trent Boult, Devon Conway, and Tabraiz Shamsi – van der Dussen does not seem interested in dismissing a national contract in favor of league opportunities.

“My ultimate goal has always remained to represent the Proteas,” van der Dussen reiterated. “People ask if I plan to transition to league cricket afterward, but I don’t know. If I can no longer represent my country, I’m uncertain what my next steps will be. If offered another national contract, I certainly will accept it and commit to that duration.”

Even if that contract does not extend to 2027, van der Dussen aims to contribute to South Africa’s ODI team as they strive for peak performance leading up to the home World Cup. “I expect that from a management standpoint, the team for the 2027 World Cup needs to start regular play and cohesive teamwork. However, numerous leagues are taking place in the coming months, which may prevent all players from being available. Even in a transitional capacity, I will commit to this. Being here is the ultimate goal for me. Leagues are enjoyable, but they’re not my primary focus.”

He confirmed that while he hasn’t stepped away from red-ball cricket, in “the last year or two of my career, I don’t see myself pursuing it further,” and he turned down an opportunity to play later this year. “I was presented with a county offer, which I declined.”

Instead, he is concentrating on refining his short-format game and observing how far it advances him. “I’ve participated in several leagues and performed well. Even leagues such as T10 have significantly enhanced my game. That’s why I feel motivated and confident in my current form.”