Who is Gautami Naik: The Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 has introduced several fresh faces to the global stage, but few stories are as poignant as that of Gautami Naik. A 27-year-old batting all-rounder from Maharashtra, Naik’s journey to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is a masterclass in perseverance, spanning over a decade of domestic grind and a bold leap across state lines..
Who is Gautami Naik
Gautami Naik Career Journey
Gautami’s cricketing roots began in the “gully cricket” lanes of her neighborhood, playing with rubber balls alongside local boys. Her transition to professional cricket started roughly 10–12 years ago when she was spotted by her long-time coach, Avinash Shinde, during a local match.
While she initially represented Maharashtra at the U-23 level, a combination of a highly competitive senior squad and the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic limited her opportunities. In a career-defining move, she relocated to Nagaland alongside teammates Kiran Navgire and Poonam Khemnar. This move proved transformative, as she became a cornerstone of the Nagaland side, helping them rise from the Plate group to the Elite level.
Gautami Naik Key Career Milestones
- The Kiran More Connection: A standout performance in an exhibition match in Pune caught the eye of former Indian wicketkeeper Kiran More, leading to trials with Mumbai Indians and a pivotal stint with Baroda.
- WMPL Success: Playing for the Ratnagiri Jets in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League 2025, she finished as the third-highest run-scorer with 173 runs, often opening the batting alongside her idol and current RCB captain, Smriti Mandhana.
- Domestic Glory: She was a member of the Maharashtra squad that clinched the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025 and recently turned heads with an unbeaten 70 and 4 wickets* in a One-Day match against Bihar.
The Dream Auction and RCB Debut
In the WPL 2026 auction, Gautami was selected by RCB for INR 10 lakh. It was an emotional moment for her family—including her mother, brother, and sister-in-law—who had supported her through financial struggles and years of training.
She made her official WPL debut on January 12, 2026, against the UP Warriorz at the DY Patil Sports Academy. While the clinical performance of the RCB top order meant she did not get a chance to bat or bowl in the 9-wicket win, her inclusion in the XI in place of Prema Rawat highlights the team’s trust in her all-round capabilities.
Playing Style and Inspiration
- Role: Right-handed aggressive batter and right-arm off-break bowler.
- Style: Known for her intent and ability to “swing for the fences,” Naik provides middle-order stability and useful tactical overs in the powerplay or middle phases.
- Idols: She has long admired MS Dhoni and lists Australian legend Ellyse Perry as a primary inspiration, citing a desire to learn from Perry’s world-class work ethic now that they share a dressing room.
Also Read: WPL 2026 Points Table: RCB and Gujarat Giants Set the Early Pace
Gautami Naik Personal Life
Born on April 15, 1998, Gautami has been vocal about the challenges of making a career in women’s cricket, from managing finances to overcoming early skepticism about girls playing street cricket. She credits her coach, Avinash Shinde, for being her mentor for over a decade, helping her develop not just as a player, but as a person.
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