WPL 2026: Who is Gautami Naik? All you need to know about RCB batter who slammed 73 against GG
(Courtesy : WPL/BCCI)
Gautami Naik’s sensational knock helped RCB smash 178/6 on a slow and tacky wicket against GG in WPL 2026
In a high-stakes clash at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara on January 19, 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) women looked to extend their unbeaten streak in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, as they took on Gujarat Giants (GG) in match 12.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, GG aimed to exploit early conditions, but RCB’s batting lineup, led by a resilient middle order, posted a formidable 178/6 in their 20 overs. The match saw early setbacks for RCB, with openers Grace Harris and captain Smriti Mandhana falling cheaply, leaving the team at 69/3. It was here that Gautami Naik stepped up, delivering a crucial knock that turned the tide.
Batting at No. 4, the 27-year-old all-rounder slammed 73 runs off 55 balls, including seven fours and a towering six. Her maiden WPL fifty came amid mounting pressure, as she partnered with Richa Ghosh to add vital runs, accelerating in the death overs.
Naik’s aggressive strokeplay, featuring elegant drives and powerful slogs, cashed in on loose deliveries from Kashvee Gautam and Ashleigh Gardner. Though dismissed by Gardner in the 18th over, her innings propelled RCB past 170, setting a challenging target for GG.
Who is Gautami Naik? All you need to know about RCB batter
Gautami Jitendra Naik, born on April 15, 1998, in Maharashtra, has emerged as a promising talent in Indian women’s cricket. A right-handed top-order batter and off-spin bowler, she brings balance to any side with her all-round skills. Naik’s journey began in domestic circuits, where she represented teams like Maharashtra Women, Baroda Women, and Nagaland Women, honing her craft in various state leagues.
Her breakthrough came through standout performances in the Maharashtra T20 League with Ratnagiri Jets Women, where she showcased fearless batting and handy bowling, often batting flexibly in any position. These displays caught the eye of RCB scouts during the WPL 2026 auction, leading to her selection as a versatile all-rounder to bolster their squad.
Prior to WPL, Naik impressed in zonal competitions like the West Zone Women and inter-state tournaments, amassing consistent runs and wickets. For instance, in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, she averaged over 30 with the bat while chipping in with economical overs.
Her ability to swing big and provide spin options made her an ideal fit for RCB’s strategy under Smriti Mandhana. Despite fielding concerns raised, Naik’s overall package of intent, aggression, and adaptability has helped her justify her spot.
As WPL 2026 progresses, she will look to improve her power-game, and with her superb shot-making ability, she could soon find herself in the Indian setup.
Who is Gautami Naik?
Gautami Naik is a 27-year-old Indian batting all-rounder who plays right-handed and bowls right-arm offbreak. She represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026, having been bought for INR 10 lakh in the auction.
What is Gautami Naik’s domestic cricket background?
Naik has represented multiple state teams including Maharashtra Women, Baroda Women, and Nagaland Women. She shone in domestic tournaments like the Maharashtra Premier League and Senior Women’s One Day Trophy, where she scored 70* and took 4 wickets in a key match.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.