Gautami Naik is an emerging cricketer in Indian women’s cricket. She is an all-rounder who plays with confidence and patience. As a right-handed batter, she has built her reputation through years of hard work in domestic cricket.
Gautami Naik was bought by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at INR 10 lakh at the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) auction.
In January 2026, Gautami came into the limelight after scoring her maiden WPL fifty against the Gujarat Giants team. Her performance in the match helped RCB become the first team to qualify for the playoffs in TATA WPL 2026. It was a beautiful moment in her career and a reward for years of persistence.
Who Is Gautami Naik?
Gautami Naik is an Indian woman cricketer, known for her calm approach and excellent batting. She is an all-rounder who contributes mainly with the bat and supports her team. She also delivers with her off-spin bowling when needed.
Her batting style is simple yet effective. She values timing over power and likes building an innings rather than rushing.
She started playing cricket at a young age, learning the game on local grounds and streets. Like many Indian cricketers, her early journey was shaped by passion rather than privilege. Over time, she developed discipline and strength, which she now carries on the field.
Gautami is not loud or flashy. Her personality reflects focus, patience, and confidence. She believes in letting her performances speak for her.
Early Life, Family, and Education
Gautami Naik was born on 15 April 1998 in Maharashtra, India. She comes from a supportive family that encouraged her interest in cricket. While she keeps her personal life private, it is known that her family played an important role in her career.
The details about her parents and siblings are not publicly available. Gautami likes to keep her family away from the spotlight. Her educational background is also not known.
What stands out from her early life is determination. She remained committed even when opportunities were limited, and competition was tough.
Gautami Nai’s Cricket Career
Domestic Journey
Before reaching the WPL, Gautami built a solid foundation in domestic cricket. She represented state women’s teams like Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Vadodara. These experiences helped her grow as a formidable player and adapt to different conditions
She delivered consistent performances in domestic tournaments, especially in T20 formats. Her ability to stay composed under pressure made her a dependable batter in the middle order. Over time, her performances began to draw attention beyond the domestic circuit.
Breakthrough with RCB in WPL 2026
Gautami’s career took a significant turning point when RCB picked her in the 2026 WPL auction at INR 10 lakh. It was a sign that the franchise believed in her potential and temperament.
She made her WPL debut on 12 January 2026 against the UP Warriorz. Although she did not get a chance to bat or bowl in that match, it marked her entry into one of the biggest stages in women’s cricket.
On 19 January 2026, her defining moment came when RCB had the match against the Gujarat Giants. RCB lost early wickets, and the team needed stability. Gautami stepped up and played one of the most important innings of the match for RCB. She scored 73 runs off 55 balls, hitting seven fours and one six.
Her innings helped RCB reach a strong total of 174/6 in 20 overs. The RCB women’s team won the match, defeated the Gujarat Giants, and secured a place in the playoffs.
For her outstanding performance, Gautami Naik received the Player of the Match award and one lakh prize money during the post-match presentation ceremony. RCB captain Smriti Mandhana and other teammates admired her.
Personal Life
Away from cricket, Gautami lives a disciplined life. She spends most of her time practising batting and bowling, maintaining fitness, and gymming. Discipline and consistency are part of her lifestyle.
She shares glimpses of her journey on Instagram, mostly related to cricket and workouts. She keeps her personal life private and appears fully focused on her professional goals. Her bond with her family remains strong.
Conclusion
Gautami Naik’s story reflects the growing depth of Indian women’s cricket. As she continues to develop, she presents herself as the amazing player who values preparation, resilience, and timing. Her journey is still unfolding, but her breakthrough has already made a lasting impression.
FAQs
Q. Who is Gautami Naik?
A. Gautami Naik is an Indian woman cricketer and a batting all-rounder. She is known for her right-handed batting and off-spin bowling. She rose through domestic cricket before making her mark in the Women’s Premier League for RCB.
Q. Which teams has Gautami Naik played for in domestic cricket?
A. She has represented Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Varoda in India’s domestic women’s cricket competitions.
Q. When did Gautami Naik make her WPL debut?
A. Gautami Naik made her Women’s Premier League debut on 12 January 2026 while playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Q. Why did Gautami Naik gain attention in WPL 2026?
A. She gained national attention after scoring her maiden WPL fifty against the Gujarat Giants in January 2026. Her innings played a key role in helping RCB qualify for the playoffs.
Q. What was Gautami Naik’s highest score in WPL 2026?
A.Her standout performance was a 73-run knock off 55 balls, which included seven fours and one six.
Q. How much did RCB pay for Gautami Naik in the WPL auction?
A. Royal Challengers Bengaluru bought Gautami Naik for ₹10 lakh in the 2026 WPL auction.
Q. What is Gautami Naik’s playing style?
A. She is a right-handed batter who prefers building an innings with patience. She also bowls off-spin and contributes as an all-rounder.
Q. Is Gautami Naik active on social media?
A. Yes, she is active on Instagram, where she shares updates related to her cricket journey and training.
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