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Gujarat Titans have reached the IPL 2026 playoffs, but one situation involving English batter Tom Banton has suddenly turned heads. The explosive opener was ruled out of the IPL 2026 in April due to a finger injury without playing even a single match for the Gujarat Titans.
But he has now surprisingly returned to the field in England. Gujarat Titans had picked Banton for Rs 2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction to strengthen their batting lineup.
But on April 17, the franchise announced that he would miss the rest of the season because of injury. Later, South African youngster Connor Esterhuizen replaced him in the GT squad.
Tom Banton returns in T20 Blast for Somerset after missing IPL 2026
Now, more than a month after leaving the IPL 2026, Tom Banton was seen playing for Somerset in the opening match of the T20 Blast 2026 against Hampshire. He looked in good touch and played aggressively at the top of the order.
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Chasing 159 runs, Banton opened the innings with Will Smeed and scored 30 runs from 23 balls with three fours and one six. The pair gave Somerset a flying start with a 90-run partnership in just 7.3 overs before Liam Dawson dismissed Banton.
Smeed continued the attack and scored 59, while James Rew finished the chase in style with an unbeaten 47 from 29 balls. Somerset won the match by seven wickets against Hampshire.
Tom Banton's return raised eyebrows after Gujarat Titans exit
But the most shocking part was that Banton had already returned to batting earlier this month before impressing in the T20 Blast 2026 opener. On May 15, he played for Somerset Second XI and smashed an unbeaten 85. Because of this, many are now questioning his IPL exit.
In previous IPL seasons, some overseas players have left midway after not getting chances in the playing XI, and Banton’s situation is now being seen in the same way. Fans are wondering whether the injury was the only reason behind his departure from Gujarat Titans.
The comparison with Phil Salt has also added more spice to the situation. Salt had also gone back home during IPL 2026 after sustaining a finger injury, but he returned to India before the IPL 2026 playoffs to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) again.
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Shubman Gill leads Gujarat Titans to top-two finish in IPL 2026
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans have continued performing strongly in the tournament. The Shubman Gill-led franchise is currently sitting second on the points table with nine wins in 14 matches. The team also got a good balance after bringing in Jason Holder in place of Glenn Phillips.
GT will now take on RCB in Qualifier 1 on May 26 in Dharamsala with a direct place in the IPL 2026 final at stake. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have also qualified for the playoffs, with the final spot remaining up for grabs. Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals all have the chance to take that final playoff spot.
