Richard Ngarava Takes Charge as Zimbabwe's New Cricket Captain

Zimbabwe Cricket has announced Richard Ngarava as the new captain for Test and ODI formats, with Brian Bennett stepping in as vice-captain. Ngarava, a key player since his debut in 2017, is recognized for his leadership qualities and performance. Bennett, at just 22, is seen as a rising star in Zimbabwean cricket. The board also expressed gratitude to outgoing captain Craig Ervine for his contributions. This leadership change marks a new chapter for Zimbabwe cricket, promising a bright future ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 20, 2025, 20:36 IST

Richard Ngarava Appointed Captain

Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has officially announced that Richard Ngarava will serve as the new captain for both Test and ODI formats. This decision was made public on Saturday.

At 27 years old, Ngarava made his international debut in 2017 during an ODI against Afghanistan. He has since established himself as a vital member of the Zimbabwean cricket team across all formats.

Tavengwa Mukuhlani, the Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, praised Ngarava's development as both a player and a leader, stating, "Ngarava has earned respect in the dressing room and has consistently performed well for Zimbabwe. We are confident he is prepared to guide the team into its next phase."

To date, Ngarava has played 55 ODIs, taking 70 wickets with an average of 30.68. In Test matches, he has participated in 11 games, claiming 25 wickets.

Brian Bennett Named Vice-Captain

In addition to Ngarava's appointment, Brian Bennett has been selected as the new vice-captain. At just 22 years old, Bennett has established himself in all three formats and is recognized as one of Zimbabwe's most promising young players.

Mukuhlani expressed confidence in Bennett's cricketing acumen and maturity, stating, "His selection as vice-captain underscores our belief in his leadership potential and intelligence. He symbolizes the future of Zimbabwean cricket."

Bennett has played 11 Tests and 11 ODIs, scoring 509 runs in Test cricket, which includes the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwean. In ODIs, he has accumulated 348 runs, with a top score of 169 against Ireland earlier this year.

Acknowledgment of Craig Ervine's Leadership

The chairman also took a moment to honor the outgoing captain, Craig Ervine, who first led the team in a Test match against Bangladesh in 2020 and took over the ODI captaincy in 2021.

Mukuhlani remarked, "Craig Ervine led with professionalism and dignity during a challenging time. ZC is immensely thankful for his contributions to the team's stability and growth."