India all-rounder Hardik Pandya added a memorable personal touch to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s emphatic WPL victory by sending a heartfelt video message to the franchise’s new batting sensation, Gautami Naik. The gesture came after Naik registered her maiden Women’s Premier League half-century, a composed and match-defining 73 off 55 balls against Gujarat Giants at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara. Her knock played a central role in RCB’s commanding 61-run win, which also sealed their place in the knockouts.
Naik’s innings stood out not just for the runs, but for the calm authority she showed under pressure. RCB were reeling early after losing Grace Harris and Georgia Voll for just nine runs, and the situation hardly eased when Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh departed in their twenties.
Amid the chaos, Naik absorbed the pressure, rotated the strike smartly, and picked her moments to attack. Batting deep into the 18th over, she ensured RCB posted a competitive total that ultimately proved too much for Gujarat Giants.
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After being named Player of the Match, Naik opened up about her cricketing inspiration and revealed how closely she follows Hardik Pandya’s approach to the game. She explained that Pandya’s calmness under pressure, confidence, and ability to take charge resonated strongly with her own mindset.
A moment Gautami Naik will never forget 👌🏻
She wasn’t ready for this surprise from her cricketing idol 🔝📱
A moment to remember forever. ✨🏏#TATAWPL | #KhelEmotionKa | #GGvRCB | @hardikpandya7 | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/Th9z5nmzqY
— Women’s Premier League (WPL) (@wplt20) January 20, 2026
According to Naik, she often studies how Pandya prepares for matches and executes his plans, traits she consciously tries to replicate in her own game. What followed left the 27-year-old visibly overwhelmed. RCB’s media team surprised her with a pre-recorded video message from Pandya himself.
The Indian star congratulated Naik on her first WPL fifty, praised her discipline and love for the sport, and encouraged her to keep striving for greater success for both her franchise and India.
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Emotional but composed, Naik responded with genuine admiration, calling the moment surreal. She thanked Pandya for the encouragement, expressed her desire to meet him someday, and even took a moment to wish him luck for the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup. For Naik, the message was more than praise—it was validation that her journey was on the right track and a powerful boost as she continues to rise in the WPL spotlight.
