The Gujarat Titans (GT) camp has been hit by a shocking setback in the middle of the ongoing 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 shaken GT’s plans completely.
The Gujarat Titans (GT) are currently gearing up to face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their IPL 2026 clash on April 17 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Before this home match, GT lost their England star to an injury, as confirmed by the IPL on Friday.
Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026 before big GT vs KKR game
Actually, Tom Banton has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing IPL 2026 after suffering a finger injury. Well, GT quickly acted to fill that gap as the tournament is heading towards the crucial phase.
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The franchise has brought in South Africa’s young wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as Banton’s replacement for the rest of the season.
The 24-year-old joined Gujarat Titans (GT) at his base price of INR 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 stated 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 owing to a finger injury. Esterhuizen, a wicketkeeper-batter, recently made his international debut for South Africa against New Zealand in a five-match T20I series last month.
He made an impressive start, winning two Player of the Match awards and was also named Player of the Series, helping his team clinch the series 3-2 after being 2-1 down. This will be the 24-year-old’s first stint in the IPL. He will join GT at his base price of INR 75 Lakh.”
More to follow…
