Rilee Rossouw: The Explosive South African Batsman – Career, Teams, and Unforgettable Moments
** **Setting the Scene**
Rilee Rossouw is one of South Africa’s most explosive left-handed batters, recognized for his aggressive stroke play and match-winning exploits in international and franchise cricket. From his early days in Bloemfontein to becoming a T20 globetrotter, Rossouw’s path has been filled with stunning innings, controversies, and unforgettable experiences.
In this blog, we’ll explore: - His career summary and teams
- The amount of players in his current team - **Five of his most stunning and unforgettable moments**
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## **Rilee Rossouw’s Cricket Career & Teams**
### **Early Career and Domestic Success**
Born on October 9, 1989, in Bloemfontein, Rossouw made his first-class debut for **Free State** in 2008. His aggressive batting approach rapidly drew attention, earning him a position in South Africa’s provincial and eventually international setup.
### **International Career (South Africa & South Africa)** Rossouw made his **ODI debut in 2014** and **T20I debut in 2012** for South Africa. He played **36 ODIs (scoring 1,159 runs)** and **30 T20Is (563 runs)** before controversially **signing a Kolpak agreement in 2017**, terminating his Proteas career prematurely.
### **Franchise Cricket Stardom**
After leaving South Africa, Rossouw became a sought-after T20 specialist, playing in leagues worldwide:
- **Pakistan Super League (PSL)**: Multan Sultans, Quetta Gladiators - **Indian Premier League (IPL)**: Royal Challengers Bangalore (2023) - **Big Bash League (BBL)**: Sydney Thunder - **The Hundred (England)**: Southern Brave - **Caribbean Premier League (CPL)**: St. Lucia Kings - **SA20**: Pretoria Capitals
### **Current Team & Squad Size** As of **2024**, Rossouw plays for **Pretoria Capitals in SA20**, a team with a **20-player squad**. He has been a significant player in their hitting lineup, typically starting or playing in the middle order.
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## **5 Most Shocking & Memorable Moments of Rilee Rossouw’s Career**
### **1. Record-Breaking 109 against. Australia (2016 ODI) — A Career-Defining Knock ** In **October 2016**, Rossouw performed one of his finest ODI innings against Australia at Centurion. Chasing **295**, South Africa were in danger at **52/2** when Rossouw came in.
- He hammered **109 off 116 balls**, including **11 fours and 2 sixes**, propelling SA to victory.
- This was his **second ODI century**, demonstrating he could deliver under pressure.
- **Shocking Moment**: His innings eclipsed David Warner’s 173, making it one of the most underestimated runs in SA cricket history.
### **2. Kolpak Deal (2017) - The Controversial Exit from South Africa ** In **early 2017**, Rossouw surprised cricket fans by **signing a Kolpak agreement with Hampshire**, officially ending his international career with South Africa.
- At **27**, he was in his prime but chose financial stability over playing for SA.
- This decision occurred after **Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, and Hashim Amla** dominated the batting order, restricting his chances.
- **Impact**: Fans condemned him, although he subsequently stated it was a tough but necessary choice.
### **3. PSL 2020 Heroics – The Unbeaten 100 in Just 44 Balls** Playing for **Multan Sultans in PSL 2020**, Rossouw scored one of the **fastest centuries in PSL history**.
- He smashed **100* off 44 balls** against **Lahore Qalandars**, including **10 fours and 6 sixes**.
- His strike rate of **227.27** left fans and analysts in amazement.
- **Shocking Moment**: He achieved his century with a **last-ball six**, clinching a thrilling triumph.
### **4. T20 World Cup 2022 – South Africa’s Return & Heartbreak**
After his **Kolpak deal ended in 2021**, Rossouw made a **shocking comeback to South Africa’s T20 team for the 2022 World Cup**.
- He scored a **54-ball 109 against. Bangladesh**, becoming the **first SA hitter to hit two T20I centuries**.
- **Controversy**: Despite his form, SA **crashed out in the group stage** owing to a surprise loss to Netherlands.
- **Memorable Moment**: His century was one of the few bright spots in a poor campaign.
### **5. IPL 2023 – A Dream Debut (And Sudden Exit)**
After years of waiting, Rossouw eventually made his **IPL debut in 2023 for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)**.
- He played just **4 matches**, scoring **35 runs**, before being **dropped indefinitely**.
- **Shocking Moment**: Fans expected pyrotechnics, but he struggled on sluggish Indian pitches.
- **What Could Have Been**: Many felt he was underappreciated, given his T20 pedigree.
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## **Conclusion** Rilee Rossouw’s career has been a rollercoaster—filled with **record-breaking knocks, startling career changes, and spectacular T20 performances**. While his international career was cut short, he remains one of the most dangerous T20 batters in the game.
Whether it’s his **Kolpak scandal, PSL exploits, or World Cup century**, Rossouw has made an everlasting stamp on cricket. As he continues to dominate leagues overseas, supporters can only wonder: **What if he had stayed with South Africa?**
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