The IPL 2026 mini-auction delivered a moment of pride for Bihar cricket as Sarthak Ranjan earned a spot with the Kolkata Knight Riders. The 29-year-old batter, who is the son of Purnia MP Pappu Yadav, was picked up by the Shah Rukh Khan-owned franchise, marking a significant milestone both in his personal journey and for aspiring cricketers from the state.
Sarthak's inclusion has generated widespread excitement in Bihar, where several players featured in this year's auction pool. His selection stands out as a symbol of perseverance, reinforcing the belief that sustained performances at the domestic level can open doors to the biggest platforms in Indian cricket.
At the auction table, Ranjan came in with a base price of ₹30 lakh. With no competing
bids from other franchises, KKR secured him at that amount - a low-risk, high-upside move. For the franchise, the decision could prove shrewd, given Sarthak's reputation as a dependable opening batter capable of providing solid starts.
Ranjan's domestic career spans nearly a decade. He made his T20 debut on January 2, 2016, during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, followed by his List A debut for Delhi in the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy. Two years later, in November 2018, he stepped into first-class cricket with his Ranji Trophy debut. While opportunities at the senior domestic level came intermittently, Ranjan continued to work on his game and remained a consistent presence in the domestic circuit.
His breakthrough moment arrived in the Delhi Premier League 2025, where he delivered a standout campaign. The right-handed batter finished as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer, amassing 449 runs in just nine innings. His numbers were impressive across the board - an average of 56.12, a strike rate of 146.73, and 21 sixes - showcasing both consistency and attacking intent.
Now, with an IPL contract in hand, Sarthak Ranjan gets the chance to test himself against the best in the business. Beyond personal achievement, his journey carries wider significance. It offers hope to young cricketers from Bihar that pathways to elite cricket are opening up, and that dedication and performances can overcome regional barriers.
As IPL 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on how Ranjan seizes this long-awaited opportunity in KKR colours.
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