IPL 2026: SRK-Gambhir fan Sarthak Ranjan’s manifestation comes true after being picked by KKR

A self-confessed fan of SRK and Kolkata Knight Riders, Sarthak Ranjan saw his long-cherished wish come true when KKR picked him up during the IPL 2026 mini-auction. The IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi saw KKR enter with the biggest purse of INR 64.30 crore. The three-time champions spent heavily to strengthen their squad, headlined by the marquee signing of Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for INR 25.20 crore. Amid the big-money deals, Ranjan was acquired for INR 30 lakh.

Ranjan earned his opportunity after an impressive Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2025 season, where he scored 449 runs in nine matches, including four fifties and a century. He finished as the second-highest run-getter of the tournament.

It was during the DPL that Ranjan openly spoke about his admiration for SRK and KKR. In a now-viral video on social media, he stated that if he were to play in the IPL, his dream would be to do so for KKR. 

"Any team. If any team picks me, I will be more than grateful to play. I will give my 100 percent for each side. If had to choose a side, then I am a big fan of SRK and KKR," said Ranjan.

The 29-year-old also considers current India head coach Gautam Gambhir his idol, due to his connection with Delhi.

"From Delhi, it has always been Gautam Gambhir. Looking at him and talking to him, and sharing my thoughts with him, is like talking to a school of cricket. It's a no-brainer that he is coaching the Indian team. I got to learn a lot from him," he added.

Meanwhile, he has played five T20s, four List-A games, and two First-Class matches, with limited returns so far. However, reports suggest he was a prolific run-scorer in age-group cricket, and KKR’s think tank appears to have backed his potential rather than past statistics as part of a broader rebuilding plan.

Notably, Ranjan is the son of former MP and Congress leader Pappu Yadav. Shortly after the auction, Yadav took to X to congratulate his son, urging him to play freely, trust his ability, and let cricket show his identity.