Rassie vd Dussen reflects on Proteas future following latest CSA contract
By
Chad Klate
17th April 2025
Proteas senior batter Rassie van der Dussen has candidly opened up about his future prospects in the national jersey following his latest contract with Cricket South Africa.
Van der Dussen, alongside David Miller, has entered into a 'hybrid' contract with the national governing body for the 2025/26 season as he begins to wind down his career.
The 36-year-old will be available for "specific agreed-upon bilateral tours and ICC events", according to CSA, and says he is under no illusion in terms of what his future holds.
"I think, in essence, not that much different [to last year's contract]. I think where I am in my career, obviously at some stage you have to start stepping away and making way for all the talented guys we've got coming through," said van der Dussen.
"I mean, there is an abundance of them in the structure at the moment, especially in the batting department, so I guess this contract is for me to sort of oversee that transition period.
"We have a lot of guys with a lot of experience that are moving on in the years [to come], and I think this next year or two is going to be very important for us to impart our knowledge on the younger guys – the [Dewald] Brevis, Lhuan-dre Pretorious, etc.
"They are the ones going to take the Proteas brand and team forward, so it's almost – in a sense – like a bridging time in the next year or so, and I think that's where my role will be mainly focussed."
On his prospects of making the 2027 Cricket World Cup on home soil, the Lions veteran refused to rule out his availability for the tournament, but admitted he cannot expect to be a permanent feature given the emerging young talent.
"I'm a realistic person – that's two-and-a-half years to go, I'm 36 at the moment and by that time I'll be 38, closer to 39 actually, and I think my body will still have it in me, I just don't expect preferential treatment," he added.
"I think part of being a good team player and professional is realising when it's time for someone else to take your spot – I'm still going to continue playing for the next two years, and what happens in two years' time, I can't tell you, but at this stage I'm happy either way.
"I'll take it as it comes and really just enjoy my cricket, and try and give back as much as I can, whether it's for the Proteas or the Lions, I'm really focussed on the T20 game, SA20, and trying to maximise the last two years in terms of that."
