Gujarat Titans Rope in Connor Esterhuizen as Tom Banton’s Replacement in IPL 2026

The Gujarat Titans have signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for England’s Tom Banton in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2026 season. The move comes after Banton was ruled out of the tournament due to a finger injury, dealing a blow to the franchise’s squad depth.

Banton, who was picked at his base price during the IPL auction, did not get a chance to feature in any matches this season before being sidelined. His absence has prompted the Titans to bring in a fresh option as they look to strengthen their lineup midway through the competition.

Esterhuizen, 24, joins the Gujarat squad for ₹75 lakh and will be making his IPL debut. The young cricketer has recently gained attention for his performances on the international stage, particularly during a T20I series against New Zealand, where he impressed with consistent batting displays. His ability to score quickly and contribute behind the stumps has made him a promising prospect in the shortest format of the game.

In addition to his international exposure, Esterhuizen has featured in domestic T20 leagues, including South Africa’s SA20 competition, where he represented teams like MI Cape Town and Pretoria Capitals. His experience in franchise cricket is expected to help him adapt quickly to the high-pressure environment of the IPL.

Within the Titans’ setup, Esterhuizen is likely to serve as a backup wicketkeeping option while also adding depth to the batting order. The franchise will be hoping his recent form translates into impactful performances as they aim to improve their standing in the tournament. The signing comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Gujarat Titans looking to regain momentum and stay competitive in the race for the playoffs.