Brandon Mavuta

A legspinning allrounder, Brandon Mavuta was expected to be the next big thing in Zimbabwe cricket when he made his international debut at 21 with a bounce in his step and frost-tipped dreadlocks on his head. That was in July 2018 and within the next four months, he had represented Zimbabwe in all three formats. But he failed to display the spark in international cricket and his appearances for Zimbabwe have been sporadic.

Mavuta first represented Zimbabwe at the 2016 Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh. He finished as Zimbabwe's second-highest wicket-taker with seven scalps in six games. A month later, he made his first-class debut for Mid West Rhinos against Matabeleland Tuskers and picked 6 for 45 in his very first innings. Mavuta has since been a consistent performer in the first-class circuit finishing in the top five list of wicket-takers most seasons.

By 2018, Mavuta was in the Zimbabwe A fold and soon earned his maiden call-up to the senior side across formats. He made his T20I debut against Australia in Harare in July 2018 and got his ODI debut the same year in September against South Africa. Then in November 2018, Mavuta made his Test debut against Bangladesh in Sylhet where he picked 4 for 21 in the second innings as Zimbabwe stormed to their first away Test win in 17 years.

Mavuta also got a Mzansi Super League gig with Durban Heat in 2018 and while he remained consistent on the domestic front, he couldn't quite replicate the performances in international cricket. In January 2024, Mavuta - along with Wessly Madhevere - was banned by Zimbabwe Cricket for recreational drug use and fined 50% of his salary for three months. He has made a comeback into international cricket since.