The Gujarat Titans (GT) camp has suffered a huge blow amid the Indian Premier League 2026 (IPL 2026). Just when Shubman Gill’s team was trying to build momentum, an injury to Jos Buttler’s English teammate has completely shaken GT’s plans.
Gujarat Titans (GT) are currently preparing to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in an IPL 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on April 17. Ahead of this home match, GT lost their England star to injury, as confirmed by the IPL on Friday.
Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026 ahead of Big GT vs KKR match
Actually, after suffering a finger injury, Tom Banton is out of the remaining matches of the current IPL 2026. Well, GT took immediate action to fill that gap as the tournament heads towards the deciding stage.
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The franchise has brought in young South African wicketkeeper-batsman Connor Esterhuizen as Banton’s replacement for the remainder of the season.
The 24-year-old joined Gujarat Titans (GT) at his base price of Rs 75 lakh. Esterhuizen is all set to make his IPL debut with GT, having made his international debut against New Zealand.
IPL confirms Connor Esterhuizen as Tom Banton’s replacement
The IPL said in an official media release: “Gujarat Titans (GT) have signed Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for Tom Banton, who has been ruled out of the Tata Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 due to a finger injury. Wicketkeeper-batsman Esterhuizen recently made his international debut for South Africa against New Zealand in a five-match T20I series last month.
He made a stellar start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team win the series 3–2 after being down 2–1. This will be the 24-year-old player’s first stint in the IPL. He will join GT at his base price of Rs 75 lakh.
Many more to follow…
