Gujarat Titans have added South Africa wicket-keeper batter Connor Esterhuizen to their squad for the rest of IPL 2026, with the 24-year-old coming in as cover following England’s Tom Banton being ruled out due to a finger injury. Esterhuizen’s acquisition gives the Titans an experienced option behind Jos Buttler as they prepare for their next match against bottom-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.
Key takeaways
- Connor Esterhuizen has been signed by Gujarat Titans for the remainder of IPL 2026.
- The signing follows Tom Banton’s withdrawal from the tournament because of a finger issue.
- Esterhuizen recently starred in a five-match T20I series in New Zealand, scoring 200 runs at a strike rate of 145.98.
- He finished that series as Player of the Series after South Africa won 3–2.
- The wicket-keeper batter hit 13 sixes in the series and will arrive at a base price of INR 75 lakh.
- Gujarat Titans meet Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on April 17, with the Titans having won two games and lost two so far.
Why Esterhuizen is stepping in for Gujarat
Connor Esterhuizen will join Gujarat Titans for the remainder of IPL 2026 after Tom Banton was ruled out with a finger injury. Esterhuizen, a wicket-keeper batter from South Africa, is regarded as a standout talent back home and has impressed recently with his T20 performances.
In the five-match T20I series in New Zealand held last month, Esterhuizen produced a match-winning run with the bat. He topped the scoring charts for South Africa, accumulating 200 runs at a strike rate of 145.98. His efforts earned him Player of the Series recognition, and they also helped drive South Africa to a 3–2 series triumph.
Power hitting was a major feature of his contribution as well. Across those five international games, Esterhuizen struck 13 sixes, underlining his ability to change the tempo quickly in the shortest format.
Role in the squad and upcoming fixture
Esterhuizen has worn franchise colours before, including stints with MI Cape Town and, more recently, Pretoria Capitals in the SA20. For Gujarat Titans, he is expected to operate as a backup wicket-keeping option for Jos Buttler, adding depth in both roles as the campaign progresses.
The Titans have secured Esterhuizen at his base price of INR 75 lakh. With their current record reading two wins and two losses, they will now turn attention to their next contest against bottom-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on Friday, April 17.
