Sarthak Ranjan Joins KKR for IPL 2026 – A Big Moment for Bihar & Delhi Cricket: Sarthak Ranjan’s dream finally turned real at the IPL 2026 Mini Auction, where the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) picked him for ₹30 lakh. The 29-year-old right-handed opening batter, known for his solid technique and aggressive stroke play, enters the IPL with huge domestic success behind him.
His signing created excitement across Bihar and Delhi, especially because he is the son of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, making it a proud moment for his family and state.
Why KKR Picked Sarthak Ranjan?
- A consistent top-order batter
- Strong performance in Delhi Premier League 2025
- Ability to attack in powerplay
- Proven long-format and white-ball experience
- High-upside, low-risk buy at ₹30 lakh
KKR believe his ability to give fast starts can make him a valuable asset for IPL 2026.
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Sarthak Ranjan IPL 2026 – Price, Team & Salary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Team (IPL 2026) | Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) |
| IPL 2026 Price | ₹30 lakh |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| Batting Style | Right-hand Bat |
| Bowling Style | Leg-break |
| Age (2025) | 29 Years |
| Base Price | ₹30 lakh |
| Auction Type | IPL 2026 Mini Auction |
Early Life & Family Background
Sarthak belongs to a highly supportive family where cricket was encouraged:
- His father, Pappu Yadav, celebrated his son’s IPL selection with immense pride.
- The family stayed awake the entire night after KKR bought him.
- His domestic performances and hard work helped him reach the IPL platform.
His mother also expressed emotional happiness, saying his success is the result of years of dedication.
Domestic Career – Journey Through Indian Cricket
Early Domestic Journey
- T20 debut: January 2, 2016 (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy)
- List A debut: February 26, 2017
- First-Class debut: November 2018
He played for:
- Delhi U-16
- Delhi U-19
- North Zone U-19
- Delhi senior team
Breakthrough in 2025
Sarthak became a sensation after finishing 2nd-highest run-scorer in the Delhi Premier League 2025, scoring:
- 449 runs
- Average: 56.12
- Strike Rate: 146.73
- Sixes: 21
This performance pushed him into IPL scouts’ radar.
Overall Career Stats (Domestic Cricket)
First-Class (FC) Stats
| Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 28 | 20 | 9.33 | 0 | 0 |
List A Stats
| Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 105 | 41 | 26.25 | 0 | 0 |
T20 Stats
| Mat | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 50s | 100s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 66 | 31 | 13.20 | 126.92 | 0 | 0 |
DT20 Performance (Detailed) – 2025 Season
| Mat | Runs | Highest | Avg | SR | 50s | 100s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 404 | 100 | 67.33 | 153 | 4 | 1 | 37 | 21 |
Recent DT20 Innings
| Date | Runs (Balls) | SR | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 25 | 100(58) | 172.4 | NDS vs NDT |
| 16 Aug 25 | 52(26) | 200 | NDS vs CDK |
| 10 Aug 25 | 51(33) | 154.55 | NDS vs PD |
| 06 Aug 25 | 77(50) | 154 | NDS vs ODW |
| 03 Aug 25 | 82(60) | 136.6 | NDS vs CDK |
A clear picture emerges: Sarthak is in peak T20 form heading into IPL 2026.
Local League Stats (Massive T20 Numbers)
Batting (All Matches)
| Matches | Runs | HS | Avg | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 143 | 5925 | 205 | 46.29 | 141.98 | 15 | 34 | 640 | 316 |
These are big-hitter stats, proving he has dominated local domestic T20 leagues.
Bowling (Limited Role)
| Matches | Overs | Wkts | BBI | Econ | Avg | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | 31.1 | 5 | 3/20 | 9.11 | 56.80 | 37.40 |
He bowls occasionally but remains primarily a specialist top-order batter.
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Fielding Stats
- DT20 catches: 1
- Local league catches: 74
- Safe hands in the outfield, often fielding in deep positions.
Why Sarthak Ranjan is Considered a Future IPL Talent
1. Ability to Play Big Innings
He has:
- 15 centuries in local T20 leagues
- A highest score of 205
2. Perfect for Powerplay Aggression
Strike rate above 140+ in most competitions.
3. Consistent Domestic Run-Machine
His recent run:
- 100
- 52
- 77
- 82
- 51
These innings show temperament and explosiveness.
4. Strong Mentality & Family Support
His mother and father spoke emotionally about his hard work and struggles.
Sarthak Ranjan IPL 2026 – What to Expect from Him at KKR?
KKR may use him as:
- Opening batter, or
- Top-order floater
Strengths:
- Fast starts in powerplay
- Ability to convert innings into big knocks
- T20 adaptability across conditions
- Long experience in Delhi cricket
Fans and experts are excited to see if he becomes the next breakthrough star in IPL 2026.
Conclusion
Sarthak Ranjan’s journey from Delhi domestic cricket, Cricheroes dominance, and Delhi Premier League success to finally earning an IPL deal is inspiring. With a price of ₹30 lakh, KKR have made a smart investment in a talented batter who is in the form of his life.
IPL 2026 could be the season where Sarthak Ranjan makes a name on the big stage.
