Connor Esterhuizen replaces injured Tom Banton at GT

South African wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen has been signed by Gujarat Titans for the remainder of IPL 2026. Esterhuizen replaces England's Tom Banton, who has been ruled out of the tournament with a finger injury.

The 24-year old Esterhuizen is highly-rated in South African cricket circles and gave a good account of his skills in the 5-match T20I series in New Zealand last month. Topping the charts with 200 runs at a strike-rate of 145.98, he walked away with the Player of the Series honours in what was his maiden international endeavour, helping South Africa to a 3-2 series win. He also struck 13 sixes across those five games.

Esterhuizen has also represented MI Cape Town and more lately, Pretoria Capitals in the SA20. He will join GT at his base price of INR 75 lakh and will serve as a backup wicket-keeping option for Jos Buttler.

The Titans, who have won and lost two games apiece, face bottom-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on Friday (April 17).