Full Name: Hendrik Erasmus van der Dussen Date of Birth: February 7, 1989 Birthplace: Pretoria, South Africa Role: Right-Handed Top-Order Batter | ODI Specialist | Tactician Rassie van der Dussen is the embodiment of patience, perseverance, and professionalism in South African cricket. Unlike many who explode onto the scene in their early 20s, Rassie’s story is one of years spent honing his craft in domestic cricket before finally getting his moment—and grabbing it with both hands. Born in Pretoria, Rassie’s cricketing journey started at school and continued through South Africa’s grinding domestic circuit. He spent close to a decade with franchises like the Highveld Lions, slowly building a reputation as a dependable, composed top-order batter. He became known not for flamboyance, but for his ability to stay calm, construct an innings, and finish games with precision. His big break came in his late 20s when he was called up to the national side in 2018. From the very first series, Rassie showed he belonged—scoring consistent runs with maturity well beyond a debutant. In the 2019 Cricket World Cup, he became one of South Africa’s few bright sparks, scoring 311 runs at an average of 62.2, including several key knocks. Career highlights include: - Over 2,000 ODI runs at an impressive average of 50+ - Half-centuries and centuries against top teams like England, India, and Australia - Named ICC Emerging Player of the Year (2020) - Instrumental in South Africa’s 2021 and 2023 ODI successes - Played in T20 leagues like SA20, Pakistan Super League, and The Hundred Van der Dussen’s strength lies in his unwavering focus and adaptability. He isn’t the flashiest batter, but he reads the game brilliantly—knowing when to anchor and when to accelerate. Whether it's chasing under lights or rebuilding after early wickets, Rassie’s presence at the crease is like a calming heartbeat for South Africa’s middle order. Off the field, he’s measured and intelligent, often described as a thinking cricketer. He is admired for his humility, work ethic, and late-blooming success story that inspires many young domestic players who wait in the wings. With jersey number 72, Rassie van der Dussen has proven that success in cricket isn’t just about early fame—it’s about consistency, character, and conviction. He is a backbone of South Africa’s ODI batting lineup and a testament to what belief and hard work can achieve.