Tom Banton has decided to put his first-class career on hold, with the Gujarat Titans batter signing a new limited-overs contract with Somerset until the end of the 2028 season. The decision marks a major shift in the 27-year-old’s career as he looks to prioritize white-ball cricket amid an increasingly demanding international and franchise schedule.
Tom Banton was once regarded as one of England’s brightest red-ball prospects and even rewrote Somerset’s record books by scoring a historic 371 against Worcestershire in 2025. However, after extensive discussions with the county management, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton has decided that focusing exclusively on white-ball cricket is the best way forward at this stage of his career.
Tom Banton has put his first-class career on hold
Tom Banton’s previous contract with Somerset was due to expire at the end of the ongoing season, but the county have secured his services on a fresh deal that keeps him at the club until 2028. The new agreement, however, only covers limited-overs cricket, with the England international stepping away from the County Championship for the foreseeable future.
The decision follows a challenging period in red-ball cricket. After his record-breaking triple century early last season, Banton managed just one half-century across his next 16 first-class innings. He has also missed County Championship action this year.
Despite his decision, Somerset director of cricket Andy Hurry made it clear that the club fully supports Tom Banton’s choice.
“We respect Tom’s decision to concentrate on maximising his white-ball development and we very much look forward to him continuing to be an integral part of our limited-overs success moving forward.”
Before stepping away from red-ball cricket, Tom Banton built a respectable first-class record despite being better known for his explosive white-ball batting.
Across 52 first-class matches, the right-hander scored 2,758 runs in 84 innings at an average of 34.47, including four centuries and 14 half-centuries. Tom Banton’s first-class numbers also underline his naturally aggressive style. He struck 349 fours and 32 sixes, showing his ability to score quickly even in the longest format.
Red-ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game – Tom Banton
While Tom Banton is stepping away from first-class cricket for now, he stressed that it was far from an easy decision given the role red-ball cricket has played in shaping his career.
“I’m delighted to have extended my stay with Somerset although this has been a really difficult decision because red-ball cricket has played a huge part in helping me develop my game, and some of my best memories have come in the County Championship,” Banton said.
“The win over Surrey at home a few years ago [in late 2024] was so enjoyable, and achieving the club’s highest first-class score is something I’m really proud of.
“I know how much the County Championship means to our members and supporters and I’m not closing the door permanently on four-day cricket. My decision has come after a lot of open and amicable discussions with Andy Hurry [director of cricket] and Jason Kerr [head coach] over a considerable period of time.
“Given the demands and challenges of playing in and moving between all formats, I believe that focusing on white-ball cricket is the right approach for me at this stage of my career.”
Tom Banton’s Gujarat Titans journey and IPL links
Banton returned to the IPL this year after a four-season absence when the Gujarat Titans bought him for his base price of INR 2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction. However, he failed to make a single appearance before a finger injury ruled him out of the tournament.
GT subsequently signed South African wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen as his replacement for INR 75 lakh. Esterhuizen arrived after an impressive start to his international career, having scored 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of nearly 146 during South Africa’s T20I series against New Zealand.
Before joining Gujarat Titans, Banton had featured in just two IPL matches for Kolkata Knight Riders during the 2021 season. Away from the IPL, he continues to establish himself as one of England’s premier white-ball batters, while Somerset will hope his full focus on the shorter formats helps the club defend its T20 Blast title and regain momentum in the competition.
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Author: Sonanchal Gautam
