Birthday special: Rassie van der Dussen – South Africa’s late bloomer

He is a batter who can score big once he gets his eye in. He is a batter who can switch gears seamlessly and play according to the needs of the team. Rassie van der Dussen, born on 7th February 1989, has emerged as one of the vital cogs of the South African batting line-up with the willow in hand.

Rassie van der Dussen showcased his worth in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against the Indian cricket team. The right-hander emerged as the second-highest run-getter in the series, plundered 218 runs, and scored his runs at a stunning average of 218.00, and a strike rate of close to 115.

Van der Dussen boasts of excellent numbers in ODI cricket. He has played 32 ODIs for the Proteas and has amassed 1267 runs at a colossal average of 74.53. Even in Test cricket, he averages a decent 34.62.

The right-hander also made it clear that runs and milestones are important for a batter and he needs to score runs for the South African side with the willow in hand. Rassie van der Dussen also added that he would like to contribute in high-pressure chases for the Proteas as well.

“I’d like to be the guy that contributes in a high-pressure chase and be the guy that’s there at the end and makes sure we don’t give the opposition anything. I’ve always been that sort of player. But your currency in batting is runs and milestones and that’s not something that you can sweep under the rug. It is something that I need to do,” said van der Dussen in an interview with ESPNcricinfo last month.

He is definitely the future of South African cricket, and in his short yet impactful run at the international level, he has shown that he is a player on whom South Africa can pin their hopes on. As the South African turns 33 today, here is wishing him a happy birthday.