Sarthak Ranjan, a self-described admirer of SRK and the Kolkata Knight Riders, had his long-held dream fulfilled when KKR selected him at the IPL 2026 mini-auction. KKR entered the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi with the largest purse, INR 64.30 crore. The three-time champions made significant investments to bolster their team, the most notable of which was the INR 25.20 crore acquisition of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Ranjan was purchased for INR 30 lakh amid the high-profile transactions.
After an outstanding Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 season in which he amassed 449 runs in nine games, including four fifties and a century, Ranjan deserved his chance. He was the tournament’s second-highest run scorer at the end.
Ranjan publicly expressed his respect for SRK and KKR during the DPL. He said in a now-viral social media video that his desire would be to play for KKR if he were to compete in the IPL.
“Any group. I would be more than happy to play if I were selected by any team. I’ll give every aspect my all.
“I am a huge fan of SRK and KKR if I had to pick a side,” Ranjan remarked.
Sarthak Ranjan on his Favourite team
Manifestation works ⭐ pic.twitter.com/9PaLHCx12l
— adi. (@Hurricanrana_27) December 17, 2025
Because of his ties to Delhi, the 29-year-old also views current India head coach Gautam Gambhir as his idol.
It has always been Gautam Gambhir from Delhi. It’s like speaking to a school of cricket when I look at him, chat to him, and share my thoughts with him. The fact that he is coaching the Indian team is obvious. He taught me a lot,” he continued.
Sarthak Ranjan on his role model Gautam Gambhir 💜
He backed every youngster of DDCA and now in ICT too pic.twitter.com/qc8bgKb9M0
— adi. (@Hurricanrana_27) December 17, 2025
With few returns thus far, he has participated in two First-Class matches, four List-A games, and five Twenty20 matches. But according to sources, he was a prolific run scorer in age-group cricket, and as part of a larger rebuilding strategy, KKR’s thought tank seems to have supported his potential rather than historical data.
Notably, Pappu Yadav, a former MP and Congressman, is the father of Ranjan. Yadav congratulated his son on X shortly after the auction, encouraging him to play freely, have faith in his skills, and allow cricket to reveal who he is.
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