Gujarat Titans have introduced in promising South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as a substitute for England’s Tom Banton, who has been dominated out of the rest of the Indian Premier League 2026 season as a result of a finger harm.The 24-year-old Esterhuizen arrives with a rising repute after a breakthrough worldwide outing in opposition to New Zealand final month. In what was his maiden T20I sequence, the younger batter lit up the five-match contest, scoring 200 runs at a formidable strike price of 145.98. His consistency and power-hitting — together with 13 sixes — earned him the Participant of the Sequence award as South Africa clinched a 3-2 win after trailing earlier within the sequence.IPL 2026: GT vs KKR Live Score A rising star earns IPL alternativeEsterhuizen’s signing marks his first stint within the IPL, a big step in his profession after steadily climbing the ranks in home and franchise cricket. He has beforehand featured in South Africa’s SA20 league, representing sides like MI Cape City and Pretoria Capitals, the place his aggressive batting and wicketkeeping expertise caught consideration.GT have secured him at his base worth of Rs 75 lakh, bringing him in primarily as a backup wicketkeeping choice for England white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Nonetheless, given his current kind, Esterhuizen may properly push for a job within the taking part in XI if alternatives come up through the match.Titans look to regroupLed by Shubman Gill, Gujarat Titans have had a blended begin to their IPL 2026 marketing campaign, with two wins and two losses inserting them in the midst of the desk. The staff will likely be eager to construct momentum because the match progresses, particularly with squad changes turning into essential in an extended season.Their subsequent task comes in opposition to struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in Ahmedabad on Friday. KKR are at present rooted to the underside of the standings, nonetheless trying to find their first win after 5 matches.Whereas Esterhuizen might not stroll straight into the XI, his arrival provides depth and contemporary power to the Titans’ setup. For a facet aiming to regain consistency, the South African teenager may show to be an intriguing choice because the season unfolds.