IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans boost squad ahead of KKR Clash, England Player replaced by South Africa Star

Gujarat Titans (GT) have roped in South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as a replacement for England's Tom Banton, who has been ruled out of the TATA IPL 2026 due to a finger injury.

The 24-year-old Esterhuizen, who recently made a stunning international debut for South Africa in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand last month, impressed with explosive performances. He claimed two Player of the Match awards, including a blistering 75 off just 33 balls in the series decider, and was named Player of the Series. His contributions helped the Proteas fight back from 2-1 down to clinch the series 3-2.

This marks Esterhuizen's first-ever stint in the IPL. He joins GT at his base price of INR 75 Lakh (though auction records listed him at ₹30 Lakh base as uncapped). Known for his aggressive batting and reliable glovework, the young talent adds depth to GT's middle order and keeping options, especially with Jos Buttler already in the squad.

The move comes as GT look to strengthen their overseas contingent following Banton's unfortunate exit. Banton, acquired for ₹2 crore at the 2026 auction, was expected to provide firepower in the middle order alongside players like Glenn Phillips.

Gujarat Titans IPL 2026 Squad

Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Ashok Sharma, Prasidh Krishna, Shahrukh Khan, Manav Suthar, Jason Holder, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Nishant Sindhu, Gurnoor Brar, Arshad Khan, Kumar Kushagra, Connor Esterhuizen, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Luke Wood, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma