Gujarat Titans (GT) have been without the services of their English recruit Tom Banton whom they roped in for his base price of Rs 2 crore. Banton was ruled out of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 on April 17 without playing a single game. More than a month later, Banton was seen in action on the opening day of England’s T20 Blast 2026.
Banton was replaced by South Africa's Connor Esterhuizen who impressed on his T20I debut series against New Zealand. Esterhuizen was signed for his base price of Rs 75 lakh.
How Banton played on his return?
On May 22, Banton played for Somerset in the clash against Hampshire. In the run chase of 159 against James Vince's side, he opened the innings with Will Smeed and scored 30 runs from 23 deliveries, featuring three fours and a six. He was knocked over by Liam Dawson. He shared a 90-run opening partnership with Smeed from 7.3 overs.
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Smeed went on to score 59 runs from 39 deliveries. Later, James Rew celebrated his Test call-up with an unbeaten 29-ball 47 to take Somerset over the line with seven wickets in hand and 22 balls to spare.
Banton ruled out, Salt heads home and then returns
Banton’s participation in T20 Blast raises questions over his departure from IPL 2026. Often, overseas players have pulled out when they haven’t got a game and they weren’t roped in for a big sum. Earlier this month, Banton was also seen batting for Somerset Second XI on May 15 when he scored an unbeaten 85.
While Banton was ruled out of IPL 2026 due to a finger injury, his English teammate Phil Salt left the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) flew back home due to a finger injury as well. Salt has returned to play for RCB ahead of playoffs whereas Banton opted to play in the T20 Blast.
GT to play Qualifier 1
Meanwhile, GT have benefitted from dropping Glenn Phillips and including Jason Holder in their side. After a dull start, Shubman Gill-led GT finished second on the points table with nine wins from 14 games. They will go up against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Qualifier 1 game on May 26 in Dharamsala.