Gautami Shines as RCB Bowlers Dominate, Secure Playoff Spot in WPL 2026

Before Monday’s Women’s Premier League match, Gautami Naik was relatively unknown within the star-studded batting lineup of Royal Challengers Bengaluru. However, this changed after the 27-year-old delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 73 runs off 55 balls. This marked her first half-century in her debut season and propelled the former champions to a 61-run victory over Gujarat Giants at the Kotambi Stadium. This win extended RCB’s unbeaten streak to five matches and secured their spot in the playoffs.

RCB posted a total of 178 for six in 20 overs, and Smriti Mandhana’s team limited the Giants to 117 for eight, thanks to a strong bowling display led by Sayali Satghare (4-0-21-3). The hosts lost crucial wickets early in their chase, putting skipper Ashleigh Gardner under pressure. Despite her valiant effort, scoring 54 runs, Gardner’s dismissal in the 17th over sealed their fate.

During her impressive innings, Gautami formed crucial partnerships of 60 with Smriti and 69 with Richa Ghosh. RCB had a slow start, reaching 37 for two after the PowerPlay, with Grace Harris and Georgia Voll returning to the dugout. Once the fielding restrictions were lifted, Gautami increased the scoring rate, notably hitting a majestic flick off Renuka that cleared deep square leg for the first six of the match. In the same over, Smriti executed a powerful shot for four.

Shortly afterward, Gardner claimed the crucial wicket of Smriti. Nonetheless, Gautami, alongside Richa, took charge. In the 12th over, Georgia Wareham conceded 13 runs, with Gautami striking a cover drive for four and Richa hitting a six over long-off. The RCB wicketkeeper continued the onslaught, hitting two more sixes in a 17-run over bowled by left-arm spinner Tanuja Kanwar. Had it not been for the Giants dismissing Richa and Gautami within three deliveries, RCB’s victory margin might have been even greater.

Published on Jan 19, 2026