Zimbabwe have ushered in a fresh chapter in their international setup with left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava appointed as captain of the Test and ODI sides. The 27-year-old steps into the role following Craig Ervine’s decision to stand down, as confirmed by Zimbabwe Cricket in a statement released after the board’s quarterly meeting in Harare.
Ngarava will be supported by rising allrounder Brian Bennett, who has been named vice-captain, while the experienced Sikandar Raza will continue to lead the side in T20 internationals. The leadership restructure reflects Zimbabwe Cricket’s intention to blend experience with a clear eye on the future.
Zimbabwe Cricket chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani praised Ngarava’s development, highlighting his growth not only as a cricketer but also as a leader within the squad. According to Mukuhlani, Ngarava’s consistency across formats and the respect he commands in the dressing room made him the natural choice to guide the team forward. He also paid tribute to Ervine, acknowledging his steady and dignified leadership during a demanding phase for Zimbabwean cricket.
Since making his international debut in 2017, Ngarava has become a central figure in Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. He has represented the country in 11 Tests and 145 white-ball internationals, and stands as Zimbabwe’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is, with 108 wickets in 90 matches at an impressive economy rate. His exposure to franchise leagues such as the ILT20, Lanka Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League has further sharpened his skills and leadership credentials.
Bennett’s elevation to vice-captain underlines Zimbabwe’s long-term vision. At just 22, he has already registered centuries in all three formats and built a reputation as an aggressive top-order batter with a sharp cricketing mind. Mukuhlani described Bennett as a player who embodies the future of Zimbabwe cricket, citing his maturity and leadership potential well beyond his years.
With Ngarava at the helm in Tests and ODIs, and Raza continuing in T20Is, Zimbabwe appear set on a leadership model that balances continuity with renewal—one they hope will steer the team confidently into its next phase.
