Gautami Naik is rapidly emerging as one of the most promising batting all-rounders in Indian women’s cricket.
The 27-year-old Maharashtra cricketer recently made headlines with her sensational 73-run knock for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in WPL 2026, proving that persistence and hard work eventually pay off.
Her journey from playing for multiple state teams to becoming a key player for RCB is nothing short of inspiring.
After years of domestic cricket struggles, Gautami finally achieved her dream of playing in the Women’s Premier League, and she is making every opportunity count.
Who is Gautami Naik?
Gautami Naik is an Indian women’s cricketer who plays as a right-handed batter and right-arm off-spin bowling all-rounder.
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Born on April 15, 1998, she represents Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League and plays domestic cricket for Maharashtra.
What makes Gautami’s story unique is her willingness to move across different state teams to get playing opportunities.
She has represented Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Baroda in domestic cricket, each move teaching her valuable lessons about adaptability and resilience.
Her breakthrough came when she was picked by RCB for ₹10 lakh in the WPL 2026 auction.
She made her debut on January 12, 2026, against UP Warriorz and has since showcased her batting prowess with crucial performances for the franchise.
Gautami Naik Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gautami Jitendra Naik |
| Date of Birth | April 15, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | India |
| Current Team | Royal Challengers Bengaluru (WPL) |
| Domestic Teams | Maharashtra, Nagaland, Baroda |
| Playing Role | Batting All-rounder |
| Batting Style | Right-handed |
| Bowling Style | Right-arm Off-spin |
| WPL Debut | January 12, 2026 vs UP Warriorz |
| Auction Price | ₹10 lakh (WPL 2026) |
| Jersey Number | To be updated |
The Journey of Persistence: Moving Between State Teams
Gautami Naik’s cricket journey is defined by her determination to find opportunities and prove herself at every level.
Starting Point: Maharashtra
Gautami began her professional cricket career representing Maharashtra in domestic tournaments.
However, like many talented cricketers, she found limited opportunities in a competitive state setup, especially in the post-pandemic period when cricket schedules were disrupted.
The lack of consistent match time forced Gautami to make a difficult decision – move to another state where she could get regular playing opportunities and develop her game.
The Nagaland Chapter: Finding Her Feet
Gautami made a bold move to Nagaland, joining forces with cricketers Poonam Khemnar and Kiran Navgire. This decision proved to be transformative for her career.
According to reports, Poonam Khemnar, after receiving a call from Nagaland cricket authorities, suggested both Gautami and Kiran’s names for the state team. This recommendation opened doors for all three players.
Playing for Nagaland gave Gautami:
- Regular match exposure in senior women’s cricket
- Responsibility in the batting order
- Experience playing across different formats
- Confidence to perform under pressure
For two seasons, Gautami helped Nagaland perform competitively and even qualify for higher tournaments.
During this period, both Kiran Navgire and Poonam Khemnar caught the attention of WPL scouts and got picked in earlier auctions, while Gautami continued to work on her game.
The Baroda Opportunity: Catching the Eye
Gautami’s career took another turn during a Men’s Maharashtra Premier League match where an exhibition game for women cricketers was organized.
Despite rain interruptions, Gautami played exceptionally well, displaying her natural batting flair and aggressive intent.
This performance caught the attention of Kiran More, the former Indian wicketkeeper and renowned cricket administrator. Impressed by her batting and approach, More directly contacted Gautami, which came as a pleasant shock to the young cricketer.
More invited Gautami for Mumbai Indians trials, where she performed well. Following this, he asked if she was interested in playing for Baroda. After discussing with her coach Avinash Shinde, Gautami accepted the opportunity.
She played two successful seasons for Baroda, consistently delivering performances that showcased her growing maturity as a cricketer.
Return to Maharashtra: Full Circle
After proving herself in Nagaland and Baroda, Gautami felt ready to return to her home state. She rejoined Maharashtra with enhanced experience, confidence, and a clear understanding of her role as a batting all-rounder.
This homecoming proved crucial for her WPL dreams, as she would soon get the platform that would change everything.
The Turning Point: Women’s Maharashtra Premier League 2025
The Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL) 2025 became the launching pad for Gautami Naik’s WPL journey.
Representing Ratnagiri Jets, Gautami got the golden opportunity to open the batting alongside Smriti Mandhana, who is not only India’s premier batter but also the captain of Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL.
WMPL 2025 Performance
Gautami made full use of this opportunity, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with impressive numbers:
- Total Runs: 173 runs in 6 innings
- Batting Position: Opener
- Key Strength: Long levers and powerful hitting
- Impact: Caught RCB scouts’ attention
Playing alongside Smriti Mandhana gave Gautami invaluable experience of batting at the highest domestic level. The partnership and understanding they developed during WMPL would later translate into their RCB association.
WPL 2026 Auction: Dream Realized
The WPL 2026 mega auction took place on November 27, 2025, in Delhi. For Gautami Naik, watching the auction was an emotional experience shared with family, friends, and her long-time coach Avinash Shinde.
When Royal Challengers Bengaluru picked her for ₹10 lakh, it marked the culmination of 10 years of hard work that Gautami and her coach had invested together.
Emotional Moments
Describing the auction experience, Gautami recalled how her family couldn’t express themselves in words but were crying with happiness.
They had witnessed her entire journey: the struggles, financial constraints, state team changes, and relentless dedication.
Her coach Avinash Shinde, who had spotted her talent over a decade ago during a local match, was watching the auction too.
When he called Gautami after she got picked, he had tears in his eyes. It was a moment of validation for both student and mentor.
The Coach-Student Bond: Avinash Shinde’s Role
Gautami Naik’s success story is incomplete without acknowledging her coach Avinash Shinde, who played a pivotal role in shaping her career.
How They Met
Gautami and Avinash met approximately 10-12 years ago during a local cricket match where Avinash was keeping wickets. He observed Gautami playing and was impressed by her natural game and intent, even though she wasn’t a professional cricketer at that time.
Avinash approached her with an offer to train professionally, saying: “You come and we will practice well.” However, it took Gautami almost a year to accept, as she had never thought of making cricket a full-time career.
Transformation: From Pace Bowler to Batting All-rounder
One of the most interesting aspects of Gautami’s development was her transition from a pace bowler to a batting all-rounder.
Initially starting as a pacer, Gautami discovered her love for batting. She would repeatedly tell her coach, “I don’t want to bowl, I just want to bat.”
Understanding her passion and recognizing her potential, Avinash made a crucial decision: “We’ll develop your batting.” They started working on her power-hitting skills, focusing on utilizing her long levers and developing her aggressive batting style.
Over the years, Gautami also developed her off-spin bowling, making her a genuine all-rounder who could contribute with both bat and ball.
WPL 2026: Making Her Mark with RCB
The Debut Moment
On January 12, 2026, Gautami Naik made her WPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru against UP Warriorz at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
She recalls the moment when RCB’s head coach Malolan Rangarajan informed her during practice: “You are playing the next match, so get prepared accordingly.” He explained her role and responsibilities in the team.
Gautami’s reaction: “After he told me about it, I was a little shocked that I am going to play in WPL because it was my dream and everyone’s dream is to play on a good platform and represent a good franchise.”
The feeling of sharing the dressing room with players like Smriti Mandhana (her WMPL opening partner and now RCB captain), Grace Harris, and other international stars was overwhelming yet exciting for the 27-year-old.
Initial Matches: Learning and Adapting
In her first three WPL matches, Gautami batted only once, scoring 9 runs. She was learning the ropes, understanding the intensity and pace of WPL cricket, which is significantly different from domestic tournaments.
Gautami acknowledged this transition, noting that while domestic cricket emphasizes mindset and skills, the WPL presents a completely different environment with:
- Higher intensity and pressure
- International players in opposition
- Better facilities and support systems
- More senior players and experienced campaigners
- Live matches watched by millions
Breakthrough Performance: 73 Against Gujarat Giants
On January 19, 2026, Gautami Naik delivered the performance that RCB management had hoped for when they picked her in the auction.
Playing against Gujarat Giants at Vadodara, Gautami scored a magnificent 73 runs off 55 balls, including 7 fours and 1 six. This innings came at a crucial time when RCB had lost early wickets.
Match Situation:
- RCB lost Grace Harris and Georgia Voll early, with the scoreboard reading just 9 runs
- Captain Smriti Mandhana (26 off 23) and Gautami added 60 runs for the third wicket to stabilize the innings
- After Mandhana’s dismissal, Gautami partnered with Richa Ghosh (27 off 20) to add 69 runs for the fourth wicket
- Gautami’s knock helped RCB reach a competitive total of 178/6 in 20 overs
This innings showcased:
- Gautami’s ability to handle pressure situations
- Her versatility in building partnerships
- Power-hitting capabilities with intelligent shot selection
- Maturity beyond her WPL experience
RCB went on to defend this total, with the team maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
Gautami’s Domestic Cricket Achievements
Beyond WPL, Gautami Naik has built a solid domestic cricket resume:
Recent Achievements
- Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025: Won the title with Maharashtra
- Women’s Maharashtra Premier League 2025: Third-highest run-scorer with 173 runs
- Played for Nagaland and helped them rise from Plate Group to Elite Group
- Two successful seasons with Baroda in domestic cricket
- Consistent performer across formats
Playing Style and Strengths
Batting:
- Right-handed aggressive batter
- Known for long levers and powerful hitting
- Capable of playing both anchor and aggressive roles
- Strong square of the wicket
- Effective against both pace and spin
Bowling:
- Right-arm off-spin
- Useful bowling option in middle overs
- Can provide crucial breakthroughs
Fielding:
- Athletic and agile
- Safe hands in the outfield
Goals and Aspirations for WPL 2026
Gautami Naik has set clear objectives for herself in the ongoing WPL season:
Individual Goals
“If I speak individually, my target is to make runs for my team in any given situation. I want to set a good statement and show that the domestic players of RCB have also come here with a strong approach and mindset.”
Team Goals
“My biggest goal is to win as many matches for RCB as possible. My last goal is to win the trophy. I will give my 100 percent in all the areas irrespective of whether I get batting, bowling, and fielding while playing for the team.”
This team-first mentality and willingness to contribute in all departments reflect the maturity that Gautami has gained through her varied domestic cricket experiences.
Current Form and Statistics
WPL 2026 Performance (Updated)
| Match | Opponent | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | UP Warriorz | DNB | – | – | – | – |
| Match 9 | Gujarat Giants | 9 | 6 | – | – | 150.00 |
| Match 12 | Gujarat Giants | 73 | 55 | 7 | 1 | 132.73 |
WPL 2026 Stats:
- Matches Played: 3
- Total Runs: 82
- Highest Score: 73
- Average: 41.00
- Strike Rate: 134.43
Life Beyond Cricket
Gautami Naik leads a disciplined lifestyle focused on cricket excellence:
Daily Routine
- Intensive fitness training
- Regular batting and bowling practice sessions
- Match preparation and strategy analysis
- Recovery and mental conditioning
Inspirations
Gautami draws inspiration from cricketers who exhibit calmness under pressure and strong leadership qualities. While specific names haven’t been publicly disclosed, her playing style reflects influence from modern aggressive batters.
Personality
- Humble and grounded despite success
- Team-oriented mindset
- Values consistency over instant success
- Prefers performance over publicity
Family and Personal Life
Gautami Naik maintains privacy regarding her family details. What is known:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Not publicly disclosed |
| Mother | Not publicly disclosed |
| Siblings | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Relationship | Not publicly disclosed |
Her family has been supportive throughout her cricket journey, understanding the financial and emotional challenges involved in pursuing professional sports in India.
Net Worth and Earnings
Income Sources
| Source | Details |
|---|---|
| WPL Contract | ₹10 lakh (RCB 2026) |
| Domestic Cricket | Match fees from state associations |
| Tournament Prizes | Prize money from winning tournaments |
| Endorsements | Limited (expected to grow) |
Estimated Net Worth: ₹50-70 lakh (approximate, as of 2026)
With her impressive WPL performances, Gautami’s market value is expected to increase significantly for future auctions, and endorsement opportunities may follow.
Social Media Presence
Gautami Naik maintains a growing social media presence, primarily focused on cricket-related content:
| Platform | Activity Level | Content Type |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Training videos, match updates, team photos | |
| Twitter/X | Limited | Cricket updates, retweets |
| Moderate | Match performances, achievements |
She uses these platforms to connect with fans and share her cricket journey, though she maintains a professional and focused online presence.
Why Gautami Naik is Trending in 2026
Gautami Naik has become one of the most talked-about cricketers in early 2026 for several reasons:
- WPL Selection: Being picked by Royal Challengers Bengaluru brought her into national spotlight
- Inspirational Journey: Her story of moving between state teams resonates with many aspiring cricketers
- Recent Performance: The 73-run knock against Gujarat Giants showcased her potential
- Underdog Story: From limited opportunities to WPL stardom
- RCB’s Unbeaten Run: Being part of a successful team narrative
- Domestic Cricket Recognition: Proving that consistent domestic performances get rewarded
Interesting Facts About Gautami Naik
- She changed three state teams to find regular playing opportunities
- Started as a pace bowler but transitioned to batting all-rounder
- Opened batting with Smriti Mandhana in WMPL before joining RCB
- Was discovered by Kiran More during a rain-affected exhibition match
- Waited 10 years for her WPL dream to materialize
- Her coach Avinash Shinde first spotted her playing local cricket as a wicketkeeper
- Scored 173 runs in WMPL 2025 as third-highest run-scorer
- Made WPL debut at age 27, proving age is just a number
- Won Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025 with Maharashtra
- Values team success over individual records
FAQs About Gautami Naik
Q1. Who is Gautami Naik? Gautami Naik is an Indian women’s cricketer who plays as a batting all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the WPL and represents Maharashtra in domestic cricket.
Q2. What is Gautami Naik’s age? She is 27 years old, born on April 15, 1998.
Q3. Which team does Gautami Naik play for in WPL 2026? She plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
Q4. What was Gautami Naik’s auction price in WPL 2026? She was bought by RCB for ₹10 lakh in the WPL 2026 mega auction.
Q5. When did Gautami Naik make her WPL debut? She made her WPL debut on January 12, 2026, against UP Warriorz.
Q6. What is Gautami Naik’s highest score in WPL? Her highest score in WPL 2026 is 73 runs against Gujarat Giants.
Q7. Which state teams has Gautami Naik played for? She has represented Maharashtra, Nagaland, and Baroda in domestic cricket.
Q8. What is Gautami Naik’s batting style? She is a right-handed batter known for her powerful hitting and long levers.
Q9. Does Gautami Naik bowl as well? Yes, she bowls right-arm off-spin and is considered a genuine all-rounder.
Q10. Who is Gautami Naik’s coach? Her long-time coach is Avinash Shinde, who has worked with her for over 10 years.
Q11. Is Gautami Naik married? No, Gautami Naik is currently unmarried.
Q12. What was Gautami Naik’s performance in WMPL 2025? She scored 173 runs in six innings as the third-highest run-scorer for Ratnagiri Jets.
Q13. Has Gautami Naik won any domestic titles? Yes, she won the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy 2025 with Maharashtra.
Q14. What are Gautami Naik’s future goals? She aims to perform consistently in WPL, help RCB win the trophy, and potentially earn an India call-up.
Q15. Why is Gautami Naik’s journey considered inspirational? Her willingness to move between state teams for opportunities and her persistent 10-year journey to WPL makes her story inspiring for aspiring cricketers.
Last Updated: January 20, 2026
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