The Aryavath Express
Vadodara (Gujarat): Indian men’s team all-rounder Hardik Pandya surprised Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Women batter Gautami Naik with a heartfelt message after her match-winning knock against Gujarat Giants (GG) in the 12th match of the ongoing Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Monday.
Gautami, an uncapped Indian player, scored her maiden WPL half-century, making 73 runs off 55 balls to guide RCB to a 61-run victory. The win marked RCB’s fifth consecutive triumph of the season, keeping them unbeaten and firmly at the top of the points table.
In a video shared on RCB’s official Instagram handle, Gautami revealed that Hardik Pandya is her cricketing idol and that she aspires to model her game on him.
“My cricketing idol is Hardik Pandya. I want to play like him. I watch his matches in pressure situations all the time. I see how calmly he plays, and that’s my nature as well. I see similarities and want to play like him,” Gautami said, as quoted in an RCB release.
Soon after, Pandya surprised the young batter with a congratulatory video message. He praised her achievement and encouraged her to stay disciplined and continue enjoying the game.
“Hi Gautami, Hardik here. I got to know that I am your cricketing idol, which feels really great. Many congratulations on your first half-century. Enjoy the sport and keep doing better for your franchise and for the country. Stay disciplined and keep loving the game,” Pandya said.
Reacting to the message, an elated Gautami described it as a defining moment in her life. She thanked Pandya for the encouragement, praised his skills and personality, and expressed her desire to meet him someday.
“This is a great moment for me. I never expected anything like this. Getting a message from my idol means I have achieved something in life. Thank you so much. I really want to meet him and play like him,” she said.
Gautami also wished Pandya the best for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, expressing hope that he would lead India to glory.
Turning to the match, RCB posted a competitive total of 178/6 in 20 overs after being put in to bat. Gautami’s 73 anchored the innings, with valuable support from Smriti Mandhana (26) and Richa Ghosh (27). For Gujarat Giants, Ashleigh Gardner and Kashvee Gautam claimed two wickets each.
In reply, GG were rocked early by RCB’s bowlers and slumped to 5/3 within the first three overs. Although Ashleigh Gardner fought back with a valiant 54, the Giants never recovered and finished on 117/8. Sayali Sathghare starred with the ball, picking up 3/21, while Nadine de Klerk (2/17) and Lauren Bell (1/23) provided strong support.
With this emphatic win, RCB continued their dominant run in WPL 2026, maintaining a perfect record after five matches.
