Richard Ngarava Takes Charge as Zimbabwe's New Test and ODI Captain

Zimbabwe Cricket has officially named Richard Ngarava as the new captain for Test and ODI formats, with Brian Bennett stepping in as vice-captain. Ngarava, who debuted in 2017, has become a crucial player for the team, while Bennett, at just 22, is recognized as a rising star. The announcement comes as the board acknowledges the contributions of outgoing captain Craig Ervine. This leadership change marks a new chapter for Zimbabwean cricket, aiming for future success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 02:15 IST

Zimbabwe Cricket Appoints New Leadership

New Delhi [India] - On December 20, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) announced the appointment of Richard Ngarava as the new captain for both Test and ODI formats. This decision was revealed in a statement released on Saturday.

The 27-year-old Ngarava made his international debut in 2017 during an ODI match against Afghanistan and has since established himself as a vital member of the Zimbabwean team across all formats.

According to Tavengwa Mukuhlani, Chairman of Zimbabwe Cricket, “Ngarava has demonstrated significant development as both a player and a leader. He is respected in the locker room and has consistently performed well for Zimbabwe in all formats.”

“We are confident that he is prepared to guide the team into its next phase,” Mukuhlani added.

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

Additionally, Brian Bennett has been named the new vice-captain. At just 22 years old, Bennett has established himself in all formats and is seen as one of the most promising young players. He made his senior international debut in all formats by the age of 21, following a successful Under-19 career.

“Brian’s selection as vice-captain showcases our trust in his cricketing acumen, maturity, and potential for future leadership. He embodies the future of Zimbabwean cricket,” Mukuhlani stated.

Bennett has played 11 Tests and 11 ODIs, scoring 509 runs in Tests, 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.

Mukuhlani also acknowledged the contributions of outgoing captain Craig Ervine, who first captained Zimbabwe in a Test match against Bangladesh in 2020 and took over the ODI team in 2021.

“Craig Ervine led with professionalism, resilience, and dignity during a challenging time. ZC is immensely thankful for his role in the team’s stability and advancement,” Mukuhlani concluded.