Left-arm quick Richard Ngarava, 27, will lead Zimbabwe in both Tests and one-day internationals after Craig Ervine chose to stand down. All-rounder Brian Bennett, just 22, has been named vice-captain, while Sikandar Raza continues in charge of the T20 side.
Announcing the change, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) chair Tavengwa Mukuhlani said, “Ngarava has shown remarkable growth as a player and leader over the years. He commands respect within the dressing room and has consistently delivered for Zimbabwe across all formats. We believe he is ready to lead the team into its next chapter.”
Mukuhlani also acknowledged Ervine’s contribution. “Craig Ervine led with professionalism, resilience and dignity during a challenging period. ZC is deeply grateful for his contribution to the team’s stability and progress.”
Ngarava’s record supports the appointment. He owns 11 Test caps and has turned out 145 times in limited-overs internationals since debuting in 2017. In T20Is he has 108 wickets from 90 matches at 7.30 runs an over, the best haul by a Zimbabwean bowler. Franchise spells in the ILT20, Lanka Premier League and Bangladesh Premier League have broadened his experience, particularly in death-over scenarios.
Bennett has already made hundreds in each format for Zimbabwe, usually batting with a positive tempo at the top of the order. “Brian’s appointment as vice-captain reflects our confidence in his cricketing intelligence, maturity and long-term leadership potential,” Mukuhlani added. “He represents the future of Zimbabwean cricket.”
The immediate task for the new leadership pair is February’s two-Test home series against Afghanistan, quickly followed by three ODIs that count towards World Cup Super League points. Selection meetings are under way; fitness clearances on senior seamers could shape the final XI.
Ngarava’s height and bounce remain central to Zimbabwe’s attack, but the captaincy will test his tactical nous and workload management. If he and Bennett settle quickly, Zimbabwe could stabilise results that have fluctuated since last year’s batting collapses in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
