South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen has announced his retirement from international cricket with immediate effect, bringing the curtains down on a seven-and-a-half year career. The 37-year-old stated that he is "committed to giving back to this beautiful game by teaching and mentoring the next generation of South African cricketers" and that he will continue to play for the Lions, his home team. Van der Dussen made his international debut in a T20I against Zimbabwe in 2018 before breaking into the ODI side in 2019, where he made an immediate impact with a composed 93 on debut against Pakistan. He went on to become a mainstay in the format, scoring 2657 runs in 71 matches at an average of 50.13, including six centuries and 17 fifties. He played in 57 T20I matches, scoring 1406 runs at a strike rate of 128.76. After making his debut in 2019, he also played 18 Tests, scoring 905 runs and six half-centuries, including a high score of 98 when he famously mishandled a Mark Wood delivery to short cover in the fourth Test against England at the Wanderers, Johannesburg, his home ground. In a statement, van der Dussen said, "I announce my retirement from International Cricket with a proud heart and a profound sense of gratitude." "To wear the Proteas jersey is a feat that demands a level of resilience and dedication that both tests, and rewards you in the most incredible way. To have played for my country has been the greatest honour of my life. "The privilege of representing South Africa was worth every moment of this journey, which has been paved with years of sacrifice." His career included appearances in the ODI World Cups of 2019 and 2023 as well as the T20 World Cup of 2021. One of his standout moments came during the 2023 World Cup, where he struck 133 against New Zealand. He also led South Africa in Twenty20 Internationals, including a 2024 series against the West Indies. "Growing up in a household of four brothers - Adriaan, Nico, CE, and myself - the Proteas badge was always held as something sacred," van der Dussen said. "We lived and breathed the game together, and to be the one to carry our family name onto the international stage was a responsibility I was proud to embrace. I am merely a product of my environment, and of years of camaraderie, love, and pushing for greatness. "To my wife, Lara: you've been there for me every step of the way. You have ridden the waves of incredible highs and difficult lows with empathy, grace and strength, and you have been my biggest cheerleader, whom I could not have done this without." Enoch Nkwe, South Africa's director of national teams and high performance, said van der Dussen's impact went beyond numbers. "Rassie's legacy in the green and gold goes beyond what he did on the field. He led by example and was a powerful senior voice in the change room who contributed to the development of team culture and standards." Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki added: "Rassie delivered in key moments for the team and earned the respect of his teammates, opponents and fans alike. We appreciate his contributions to South African cricket and wish him all the best for the future."