gautami naik
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB-W) Gautami Naik stunned India all-rounder Hardik Pandya with her remarkable maiden fifty in WPL 2026.

Overview:

After being dismissed for 9 off 6 balls on her debut against Gujarat Giants, the 27-year-old made a strong statement with a stunning half-century in her second game against the same opposition.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB-W) Gautami Naik stunned India all-rounder Hardik Pandya with her remarkable maiden fifty in WPL 2026. Naik played a scintillating knock of 73 from 55 balls, which included seven fours and six sixes, against Gujarat Giants (GG).

Gautami Naik’s standout performance helped RCB set a formidable total of 178/6 in their 20 overs, paving the way for a 61-run win and a spot in the playoffs. Naik’s heroics were further celebrated when Hardik Pandya, her cricketing idol, sent her a surprise congratulatory message.

“Hey Gautami, Hardik here. I heard that I’m your cricketing idol, and it feels amazing to know that I’ve inspired so many young cricketers. Huge congratulations on your first half-century! Keep enjoying the game, and I hope you continue to excel both for your franchise and for the country. Stay disciplined, keep loving the sport, and keep enjoying it,” Hardik said in a video shared by the Women’s Premier League.

“Hardik Pandya is my cricketing idol. I try to emulate him a lot and aspire to play like him. The way he handles pressure situations is something I pay close attention to, how he stays calm and controls the match each time. He plays with composure, which is exactly how I approach the game as well. I see myself in a similar way and want to play just like him,” Naik said in the video.

She was acquired by RCB at her base price of Rs 10 lakh during the auction for the current season. After being dismissed for 9 off 6 balls on her debut against Gujarat Giants, the 27-year-old made a strong statement with a stunning half-century in her second game against the same opposition.

RCB extended their perfect record in the ongoing WPL, remaining unbeaten and earning 10 points from five contests. They became the first team to secure a playoff spot and will face Delhi Capitals (DC) on January 24.

V M Suriya Narayanan is a passionate cricket writer who has been following the game since 2007. With a background in Civil Engineering (B.E.), he blends analytical thinking with a deep understanding of...