Who is Connor Esterhuizen, the player Gujarat Titans signed to replace Tom Banton and why is he trending?

In the world of IPL auctions and team signings, a new name has quietly entered the spotlight. His arrival comes at a time when the franchise is trying to fix a fragile middle order and explore options beyond its current lineup.

Esterhuizen is not yet a household name, but his recent performances for South Africa and across franchise leagues hint at why teams are watching him so closely. With Tom Banton ruled out of IPL 2026, Gujarat Titans have turned to this rising South African talent.

Who is Connor Esterhuizen?

Connor Esterhuizen is a wicketkeeper‑batter who was born in Johannesburg and has gradually moved ahead through the ranks of South African cricket. He first made a mark while playing for Wits University First XI, where he piled on runs and earned a place in the Lions Academy side, which later led to selection in the Lions senior team.

He made his List A debut for Lions in the CSA One‑Day Cup in 2022 with a half‑century, and later that same year he played his first T20 matches in the CSA T20 Challenge. His first‑class debut followed in the CSA 4‑Day Series, laying the foundation for a solid all‑format profile, according to ESPN.

T20‑league and international breakthrough

Esterhuizen’s first taste of franchise T20 came in 2023 when he joined Abu Dhabi Knight Riders in the ILT20, where he played four matches, showing glimpses of his ability but not quite lighting up the competition. He then moved to MI Cape Town in SA20, where he spanned two seasons and scored 219 runs in 11 matches, later shifting to Pretoria Capitals in SA20 2025–26, where he made 166 runs in 12 games.


On the international front, Esterhuizen made his T20I debut for South Africa in March 2026 against New Zealand in a five‑match series.

Signing with Gujarat Titans

Gujarat Titans signed Esterhuizen as a replacement for England’s Tom Banton, who was ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a finger injury before he could even make his debut. In a statement released by the IPL, “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 will join the team at his base price of ₹75 lakh, and this will be his first stint in the IPL.

Gujarat Titans’ season and Esterhuizen’s role

Gujarat Titans started IPL 2026 with two straight losses but have picked up momentum with two consecutive wins, putting them sixth in the table as they head into their match against a winless Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad.