Gautami Naik is all set to wear the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) jersey in WPL 2026 after the franchise picked her in the mega auction for INR 10 lakh.
The 27-year-old batting all-rounder from Maharashtra will again look forward to playing under Smriti Mandhana’s guidance, having previously shared the dressing room with her at Ratnagiri Jets in the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL).
Gautami also won the recent Senior Women’s T20 Trophy with Maharashtra and finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the WMPL with 173 runs in six innings.
In an exclusive chat with RevSportz, Gautami Naik opened up about her feelings after joining RCB, the opportunity to play with Mandhana again, her journey under coach Avinash Shinde, her idols, the importance of WPL, and more.
What was your first reaction when you got picked for RCB?
First of all, it was my dream to play for RCB, and everyone was watching the auction. My name was at the 261st spot, almost last. So, my family, academy coaches – everyone was watching. But when my name came up, in the third round, RCB picked me, and at that moment, I couldn’t tell you.
I got tears in my eyes, I couldn’t even believe that I am now actually going to play for RCB. But at the end, after five minutes, I realised that yes, I am selected for RCB. I can’t express that happiness; it was different. For that moment, I was practicing so much, having started playing professionally for 3-4 years. It gave me hope that you are doing well and that you are getting results.
How did your family and loved ones react to the news?
When the auction was going on, I was at home. Since it started, my mother, brother, sister-in-law, and everyone were watching. Almost everyone was crying. They didn’t know how to react.
They were just coming to me and crying. They couldn’t express themselves, but everyone was very happy. They have seen my cricket journey very closely. They know my struggles, how I started, how I managed things financially and made my own career.
It’s a very big moment for me and my coach, Avinash Shinde. We started this journey 10 years ago. It was our dream to play at a good level. He has put in a lot of hard work. He was watching the auction too. He called me and had tears in his eyes. It was the best moment for me.
Your journey with Avinash sir—how has he helped your development?
We met 10–12 years ago. I was playing a local match where Abhinash sir was the wicket-keeper. He saw my game. I was not a professional cricketer then, but I loved playing. He liked my intent and gave me an offer.
He said, “You come and we will practice well.” But it took me almost a year to join. At that time, I never thought of making cricket a career. I just liked playing. So I gave it a try.
Back then, I was only into street cricket. I just wanted to hit and play. But the professional player I am today is because sir worked very hard. As a human being too, all the changes that happened in me—from 10 years ago to now—are because of his effort. He worked day and night to make me a good person and a good player.
Can you share your cricket journey? From Nagaland to Baroda and then Maharashtra.
I played U-23 for Maharashtra, but didn’t get many chances because the senior team was very strong. Two years at the U-23 level were also wasted due to COVID-19.
Then my friend Poonam Khemnar got a call from Nagaland. She suggested both my and Kiran Navgire’s names. That is how our journey started. Playing for Nagaland showed me what senior women’s cricket really is. I had very little experience then.
We performed well for two years and helped Nagaland qualify. From there, Kiran and Poonam got picked for WPL.
Then, during the Men’s Maharashtra Premier League, an exhibition match for girls was held. It was live. It was raining, but I played very well. Kiran More sir, was there and saw my batting and intent. He contacted me directly, which was shocking. He called me for MI trials. I went and did well.
Then he asked me: “Are you interested in playing for Baroda?” I discussed with my coach and took the opportunity. I played well there for two years. But deep down, I wanted to play for Maharashtra again. I scored runs in One-Days and T20s, won titles, and finally got the chance to play for Maharashtra again.
This year, we won the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy for Maharashtra. That is the journey so far.
What does WPL mean to you? How important is this platform?
I can’t get a bigger exposure than this. Matches will come on television. I might get only one or two chances, and I have to make them count. If I play one or two good knocks, my path will be clear. There are so many new people, and most of them play for India. You won’t get a better opportunity.
You have batted with Smriti before. How is she on and off the field?
She is fantastic—positive, calm, grounded. Even when you win or lose. One thing I learned from her is to believe in myself. She gives courage to step up when the team needs it. At no point did we feel we were talking to Smriti Mandhana, India’s star batter. She always says to play freely, but also to understand the situation.
We once had a 75-plus stand. After the powerplay, she told me if a boundary comes, take the single. Singles were coming from both sides. We built the innings well. It made things easy and gave me ideas on how to build partnerships.
Nisarg Naik also played a role as the scout for Ratnagiri Jets. Any words?
Nisarg is unbelievable. A great person, very helpful, always ready to work for the team. His ideas and plans are very useful. He supports everyone and says, “I am there. Don’t worry.” As a person, he is very good.
Any RCB players you are most excited to play with?
Ellyse Perry. She has always been my inspiration. I have been following her since I started playing. Now I have the chance to play with her. I am grateful to God for this opportunity. I want to learn from her work ethic and how she operates on the field.
Your cricketing idols?
I started watching MS Dhoni sir. But I idolise Hardik Pandya sir. He is my favourite. His role is such that he is always there in game-changing moments. Expectations are always high from him, but he handles them well. His fearless, intense and focused approach inspires me. He is a mind-blowing player.
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