Rassie van der Dussen plays according to situation, great prospect for South Africa: Dinesh Karthik

Rassie van der Dussen has indeed been a revelation for the South African cricket team. He came into the picture following AB de Villiers’ retirement and didn’t take long to become a vital team cog. The right-handed batter, who has played a plethora of domestic cricket, played one sensational knock after another and took the Proteas side to many wins.

While he was thriving in ODI and Test cricket, many believed Van der Dussen won’t be able to thrive in T20 cricket. However, the veteran batter embraced this challenge as well, playing some fiery knocks in the format. During South Africa’s last league-stage game against England in the T20 World Cup 2021, the star batter put up an exhibition of big-hitting and mustered an unbeaten 94 off mere 60 deliveries.

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik was mighty impressed by Dussen’s fireworks against the Three Lions. The 36-year-old said Dussen’s ability to read the game and play accordingly makes him a force to reckon with.

Rassie van der Dussen is able to read the situation: Dinesh Karthik 

“Throughout this entire World Cup, the one thing I have really liked about Rassie van der Dussen is the fact that he’s able to understand the situation, absorb pressure and play accordingly. For example, when South Africa were chasing a lesser score against West Indies, he absorbed pressure, took his time, and took his side to victory. Even in the practice game against Pakistan, he got a hundred,” Karthik said in a video for Cricbuzz.

It has to be noted that South Africa lost opener Reeza Hendricks for just two runs when Van der Dussen walked in. Highlighting the same, Karthik further lauded the batter for stabilizing the innings and playing big shots towards the end.

“Coming in with a bit of pressure as Reeza Hendricks got out early but from there on, he played some fine shots. It was very good to watch a very dominant leg-side player. He’s a very good prospect for South Africa and looks like a very good batter,” he added.

Meanwhile, Van der Dussen’s blitzes did take South Africa to a 10-run win against England. However, it couldn’t earn them a place in the semi-finals. In order to go through, the Proteas side needed to restrict England below 131 while defending 189. However, the Eoin Morgan-led side went onto post 179/8 in their allotted 20 overs.