Sarthak Ranjan with Simarjeet Singh in DPL (Source: delhipremierleaguet20/Instagram)
Sarthak Ranjan, who joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for IPL 2026 at INR 30 lakh, unleashed hell on Simarjeet Singh on Wednesday in Match 11 of Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2026 at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. It was a humbling experience for Simarjeet, who previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) among many other IPL franchises.
Coming to open for North Delhi Strikers, captain Sarthak Ranjan led from the front against East Delhi Riders, the team for which Simarjeet Singh plays. Ranjan made 95 runs off 50 balls, which had eight sixes and seven fours to help his side chase down a challenging target of 172 in just 16 overs.
Sarthak Ranjan Destroys Simarjeet Singh In DPL 2026
During the mayhem, Ranjan was at his absolute best when Simarjeet Singh took the ball in hand to bowl the 14th over of the innings. He smashed four sixes on the trot, one over long off, one over deep fine leg, and two over deep square leg regions.
On the next delivery, Ranjan played a lofted drive through covers to slam a four, making it 28 runs off the first five deliveries bowled by Simarjeet. To conclude, he took a single off the last delivery, and what he did after that won the hearts of many.
Also Read: DPL’s Road To IPL- Players Who Can Use DPL 2026 To Seal IPL Retentions
While Simarjeet was looking away, Ranjan patted him on the shoulder to console him. After a few seconds, Simarjeet, the ex-CSK bowler, understood what KKR’s Ranjan did, and he acknowledged it straightaway.
To those who are unaware, Simarjeet Singh played 10 matches for CSK in 2022 and in 2024. There, he took nine wickets for the franchise before joining SRH in the following season.
For SRH, Simarjeet played four matches in IPL 2025, picking up two wickets before being released. He was even in KKR trials before IPL 2026 began.
Watch the video here:
Did Sarthak Ranjan Play For KKR In IPL 2026?
Even though Sarthak Ranjan was with the KKR squad in IPL 2026, he did not get a single chance to shine in the world’s most popular T20 league. Instead, Kolkata Knight Riders gave a few opportunities to Manish Pandey and Tejasvi Dahiya for the similar responsibilities.
Sarthak has now made 159 runs in two innings in DPL 2026, striking at 178.65. Before Wednesday’s carnage, he slammed 64 off 39 balls against Central Delhi Kings.
Why Did KKR Sign Sarthak Ranjan?
Despite being known infamously for his family's political background, Sarthak Ranjan made headlines during DPL 2025 as well. In just nine innings, Ranjan tallied 449 runs at 146.73 for North Delhi Strikers, which included a 58-ball century against New Delhi Tigers.
Apart from the century, Ranjan had four 50+ scores in DPL 2025, including a 50-ball 77 and a 60-ball 82. His consistency with the bat tempted KKR to have him before IPL 2026.
Now, with Ajinkya Rahane no longer there with KKR, the three-time IPL champions already have someone as his cover. In fact, don’t be surprised if he directly makes the cut in KKR playing XI for IPL 2027.
Also Read: BCCI Makes India Players Sweat! Stricter Fitness Tests To Be Mandated After England Debacle
