Sarthak Ranjan

Sarthak Ranjan is a stylish right-handed opening batter from Delhi who was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2026 auction. The son of prominent politicians Pappu Yadav and Ranjeet Ranjan, Sarthak has spent years navigating the high-pressure environment of Delhi domestic cricket to carve out his own identity. His breakout moment arrived during the 2025 Delhi Premier League (DPL), where he emerged as one of the tournament's most consistent performers for the North Delhi Strikers. Amassing 449 runs at an impressive average of 56.13, he finished the season as the second-highest run-scorer, highlighted by a sensational 58-ball century that showcased his ability to anchor an innings before exploding into power-hitting.

Beyond his recent T20 exploits, Ranjan brings a solid foundation with nearly a decade of experience in the Delhi circuit, having famously opened alongside Gautam Gambhir during his early Ranji Trophy days. Known for his elegant stroke play and fitness, he has also developed a useful leg-break delivery, adding a layer of versatility to his profile. While his early career was often overshadowed by off-field headlines, his recent form in the 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy—including a gritty 41 against Madhya Pradesh—indicates a batter at the peak of his maturity. As he joins a star-studded KKR lineup, Sarthak is viewed as a technically sound domestic backup who can stabilize the top order or provide aggression in the powerplay.