New Delhi: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) had an eventful day at the IPL 2026 mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, signing 13 players as they reshaped their squad for the upcoming season. One selection that drew widespread attention was the signing of young Delhi cricketer Sarthak Ranjan, son of Independent MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav.
Sarthak was picked up by KKR for Rs 30 lakh, marking a significant milestone in his cricketing journey. The moment became even more special after Pappu Yadav shared a heartfelt message celebrating his son’s achievement.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the MP congratulated Sarthak, urging him to carve his own identity through talent and hard work. “Badhai ho betu! Jamkar khelo. Apne pratibha ke dum par apni pehchan banao. Apni chahat poori karo. Ab Sarthak ke naam pe banegi humari pehchaan. (Congratulations, dear child Play with all your heart. On the strength of your talent build your own identity. Fulfill your desires! Now under the name of Sarthak, our identity will be made),” he wrote.
बधाई बेटू
जमकर खेलोअपने प्रतिभा के दम पर
अपनी पहचान बनाओ
अपनी चाहत पूरी करो!अब सार्थक के नाम से
बनेगी हमारी पहचान! pic.twitter.com/s3gOGe72c2— Pappu Yadav (@pappuyadavjapl) December 16, 2025
Sarthak represents Delhi in domestic cricket and has featured across formats. He has played two First-Class, four List-A and five T20 matches. While his numbers so far remain modest, the IPL opportunity is expected to provide exposure, mentorship and a platform to grow as a professional cricketer.
KKR entered the auction with the largest purse of Rs 64.30 crore and made waves by signing Australian all-rounder Cameron Green for Rs 25.20 crore, one of the highest buys of the auction. Other notable additions included Matheesha Pathirana, Mustafizur Rahman and Rachin Ravindra.