More than politician Pappu Yadav's son: Sarthak Ranjan’s battle, breakdown and breakthrough

Sarthak Ranjan has long strived to emerge from the shadow of his politically prominent parents and be recognized for his own cricketing talent. His perseverance has paid off with a contract in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Delhi batter was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for Rs 30 lakh.

Rajesh Ranjan, Sarthak’s father, is a six-time Member of Parliament from Bihar, known popularly as Pappu Yadav. His mother, Ranjeet Ranjan, has served three terms as an MP. Following his son's IPL selection in the Abu Dhabi mini auction, Pappu Yadav posted on X, expressing that people will now recognize him through Sarthak's achievements.

For Sarthak, establishing his own identity has been a constant struggle. Despite his success as a run-scorer in age-group cricket, he was often viewed solely through the lens of his parents' political influence. Although he has only played a few First-class, List A, and T20 matches for Delhi, his talent shone in the Delhi Premier League (DPL).

Sarthak acknowledges the pressure of his family name but chooses to view it as a source of motivation. He recognizes the privileges he has been afforded and expresses gratitude for his opportunities. Speaking to TimesofIndia.com, Ranjan said he would be selfish to complain, given the advantages his family has provided.

Expressing his gratitude for his selection, Sarthak stated that he is happy for the opportunity and trusts that everything will happen at the right time. His performance in the DPL, playing for North Delhi Strikers, proved pivotal in showcasing his abilities. After a decent first season, he significantly improved in the second, scoring 449 runs in nine matches, including a century and four half-centuries. These performances caught the attention of KKR scouts.

Sarthak realized the need to adapt his batting after the first DPL season. He consulted with Ayush Badoni and Priyansh Arya to understand the requirements at the IPL level and subsequently made necessary changes to his batting and fitness.

He draws inspiration from Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya, admiring their approach to the game. He learns from how they rotate the strike and hit big shots, using similar planning to unsettle bowlers.

Sarthak also revealed a past period when he considered quitting cricket due to the challenges he faced. He sought help to navigate this difficult phase.

He acknowledged that being the son of influential politicians impacted his career, with people often questioning his merit. This scrutiny took a toll on his mental health. That said, the reality is a bit more complicated. he is grateful for the lessons learned and views the experience as a strengthening force.

His love for cricket, which began at age six, ultimately helped him overcome his struggles. He aims to enjoy the game and create his own identity, stepping out of his parents' shadow. This IPL selection represents a significant step towards achieving that goal. Sarthak believes mental strength is crucial, particularly given his background, and that it has made him more resilient.

Looking ahead, Sarthak is eager to work with Abhishek Nayar, whose coaching style he admires. He is excited about the opportunity to learn from Nayar's cricketing acumen. When asked if his parents critique his shots, Sarthak laughingly responded that they stay out of cricket, just as he stays out of politics.

Echoing his father's sentiment, Sarthak aims to build his identity through his talent and fulfill his dreams. This IPL opportunity marks the beginning of his journey to be known for his cricket, independent of his family name.