For the leadership transition, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) has officially appointed left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava as the new captain for both the Test and ODI formats. The 27-year-old takes the reins from veteran batter Craig Ervine, who recently stepped down from the position.
The announcement followed ZC’s fourth-quarter board meeting in Harare. To support the new leadership, 22-year-old all-rounder Brian Bennett has been named Ngarava’s deputy. Meanwhile, the experienced Sikandar Raza will remain at the helm of the T20I squad, ensuring a blend of fresh energy and veteran stability across the various formats of the game.
A New Chapter for Zimbabwe
ZC Chairman Tavengwa Mukuhlani expressed immense confidence in Ngarava’s ability to guide the national side. “Ngarava has shown remarkable growth as a player and leader over the years,” Mukuhlani stated, noting that the seamer commands deep respect within the dressing room.
FOLLOW US ON OUR FB PAGE
Ngarava is no stranger to the international stage. Since his debut in 2017, he has represented Zimbabwe in 11 Tests and 145 white-ball matches. He currently holds the record as the country’s highest wicket-taker in T20Is, with 108 wickets. His experience is further bolstered by stints in global T20I circuits, including the ILT20, Lanka Premier League, and Bangladesh Premier League.
While looking forward, the board took a moment to honor the outgoing captain. Mukuhlani praised Ervine for leading with “professionalism, resilience, and dignity” during a challenging period, creditng him for the team’s current stability.
ALSO READ- 5 Key takeaways from Team India’s squad for T20I World Cup
The appointment of Bennett as vice-captain signals a clear focus on the long term. Despite his youth, Bennett has already scored centuries across all formats for Zimbabwe, earning a reputation for his attacking enterprise. His promotion reflects the board’s belief in his “cricketing intelligence” and his role as the future face of the sport in the country.