IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans rope in South African sensation as Tom Banton replacement
TL;DR
Gujarat Titans have signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen to replace Tom Banton, who is out for the IPL 2026 season due to injury. Esterhuizen recently showcased his talent in a T20I series against New Zealand, earning the Player of the Series award.
Key points
- Gujarat Titans signed Connor Esterhuizen as Tom Banton's replacement
- Tom Banton is out for IPL 2026 due to a finger injury
- Esterhuizen scored 200 runs in his T20I debut series against New Zealand
- He had a strike rate of 145.98 and hit 13 sixes
- Esterhuizen was named Player of the Series
Gujarat Titans have brought in promising South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for Englandâs Tom Banton, who has been ruled out of the remainder of the Indian Premier League 2026 season due to a finger injury.
The 24-year-old Esterhuizen arrives with a rising reputation after a breakthrough international outing against New Zealand last month. In what was his maiden T20I series, the young batter lit up the five-match contest, scoring 200 runs at an impressive strike rate of 145.98. His consistency and power-hitting â including 13 sixes â earned him the Player of the Series award as South Africa clinched a 3-2 win after trailing earlier in the series.
IPL 2026: GT vs KKR Live Score
A rising star earns IPL opportunity
Esterhuizenâs signing marks his first stint in the IPL, a significant step in his career after steadily climbing the ranks in domestic and franchise cricket. He has previously featured in South Africaâs SA20 league, representing sides like MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals, where his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping skills caught attention.
GT have secured him at his base price of Rs 75 lakh, bringing him in primarily as a backup wicketkeeping option for England white-ball captain Jos Buttler. However, given his recent form, Esterhuizen could well push for a role in the playing XI if opportunities arise during the tournament.
Titans look to regroup
Led by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans have had a mixed start to their IPL 2026 campaign, with two wins and two losses placing them in the middle of the table. The team will be keen to build momentum as the tournament progresses, especially with squad adjustments becoming crucial in a long season.
Their next assignment comes against struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on Friday. KKR are currently rooted to the bottom of the standings, still searching for their first win after five matches.
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While Esterhuizen may not walk straight into the XI, his arrival adds depth and fresh energy to the Titansâ setup. For a side aiming to regain consistency, the South African youngster could prove to be an intriguing option as the season unfolds.
Q&A
Why did Tom Banton leave IPL 2026?
Tom Banton left IPL 2026 due to a finger injury that ruled him out for the remainder of the season.
Who is Connor Esterhuizen and what is his recent performance?
Connor Esterhuizen is a 24-year-old South African wicketkeeper-batter who recently scored 200 runs at a strike rate of 145.98 in his maiden T20I series against New Zealand.
What impact could Connor Esterhuizen have on the Gujarat Titans?
Connor Esterhuizen's power-hitting and recent success could significantly boost the Gujarat Titans' batting lineup in IPL 2026.
