New Delhi, Jan 18 (NationPress) Gautami Naik's journey to the Women's Premier League (WPL) has been both swift and demanding. The 27-year-old all-rounder has navigated through various state teams and the rigors of domestic cricket to realize her aspiration of playing in the league for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) against UP Warriorz in Navi Mumbai on January 12.

Though Gautami did not get the chance to bat or bowl in the match that RCB won, she will forever treasure the moments from being notified about her WPL debut to actually stepping onto the field. "While we were practicing, our head coach, Malolan (Rangarajan) sir, approached me and said that I was going to play in the next match, so I should prepare accordingly. He outlined my role and everything else," she shared.

“I felt a wave of surprise upon realizing that I was about to play in the WPL, as it had been my dream, and every cricketer aspires to showcase their talent on a grand platform representing a prestigious franchise. It was exhilarating to know that my hard work over the years was finally paying off,” Gautami reflected during a chat with IANS.

Having played three matches, where she batted only once and scored nine runs, Gautami’s road to RCB was expedited by her performance in the 2025 Women's Maharashtra Premier League (WMPL). As a member of Ratnagiri Jets, she opened the batting alongside Smriti, who is now her captain at RCB.

Renowned for her towering stature and formidable hitting ability, Gautami amassed 173 runs across six innings, making her the tournament's third highest scorer. Her stellar performance caught the eye of RCB scouts, leading to her evaluation at trials held in Surat and Mumbai by Rangarajan and batting coach RX Murali.

Gautami fondly recalls her first encounter with Smriti, which set the stage for a significant learning journey. In a pre-competition message, Smriti emphasized the importance of enjoyment and fulfilling assigned roles.

While batting together, Gautami admired Mandhana's composed demeanor, her ability to make critical decisions under pressure, and her knack for handling challenging situations. From the non-striker's end, Smriti also provided guidance by inquiring about Gautami’s strengths and the type of game she could deliver.

A standout moment for Gautami was when she partnered with Smriti in an 85-run stand, where each of Smriti’s shots left her in awe, showcasing her mastery over the game.

Gautami's transition from domestic cricket to the WPL has been significant. Domestic cricket focuses primarily on mindset and skills, while the WPL brings an elevated level of intensity. Observing live matches, sharing dressing rooms with international players, and witnessing their work ethics make the WPL a distinct experience.

While acknowledging the competitiveness of domestic cricket, Gautami noted that the WPL stands apart due to its heightened competition, featuring seasoned players and superior facilities. Originally a pace bowler, her passion for batting sparked a pivotal discussion with her coach, Avinash Shinde.

"I began my journey as a pacer, but I truly enjoyed batting. I would often tell my coach, 'I don't want to bowl, I just want to bat.' That's when he committed to developing my batting skills. I initially focused on hard hitting, but then, with his guidance, I dedicated myself to refining every aspect of my game.

"I constantly pondered, 'How can I improve?' I enhanced my technique with small foundational adjustments. My aggressive style of play remained, yet my coach integrated all necessary elements into my game, both technically and mentally. Each year brought continual improvements as we worked on specific shots, mental strategies, and identifying which areas to enhance," she explained.

Her evolution into an off-spinner occurred almost serendipitously while she was with Nagaland. "A coach there suggested that my height was suitable for off-spin bowling. I discovered I had several effective variations. He was astonished by my ability and encouraged me to continue."

“In my debut match as an off-spinner, I claimed almost five wickets. That was the beginning of my unexpected journey from pace bowling to off-spin,” she recounted.

Gautami’s time in Nagaland came after limited opportunities in Maharashtra post-COVID-19. "I was selected for the Maharashtra under-23 team but didn’t get ample chances—only playing in the last match, which was unremarkable. The senior women's team was stacked, leaving me with few alternatives.

“A friend, Poonam Khemnar, currently with Mumbai Indians, joined the Nagaland team as a guest player and recommended me. I lacked experience in domestic cricket.

“But in Nagaland, I was exposed to a culture where cricket was just beginning to flourish in the North-East. The coaches and players shared a unified vision to help the team reach knockouts, allowing me to develop my skills and fitness,” she elaborated.

Her breakthrough occurred during a Women's MPL exhibition match that caught the attention of former India wicketkeeper Kiran More, leading to her transfer to Baroda. "I had a strong performance in that match, and Kiran More approached me, inquiring about my background and current team.

“He invited me to Mumbai Indians trials, where I excelled. Subsequently, he asked if I was interested in playing for Baroda, to which I agreed. After consulting my coach, I secured an opening position.

“Playing there for two years, I learned much about skill enhancement and fitness, alongside strategies for a batting opener. I finally decided to return to Maharashtra to represent my home state,” she said.

Gautami’s return to Maharashtra was fruitful, marked by impressive performances in invitational matches and the Women's MPL, leading to her selection for the senior team. Ultimately, she clinched the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, despite scoring only 89 runs in six innings.

Now at RCB, Gautami is among elite international talent, absorbing insights from their professional approach. "Players like Grace Harris, Radha Yadav, and Shreyanka Patil are incredibly dedicated. Their mindset, attitude, and meticulous planning during practice sessions serve as a valuable learning opportunity for me. I observe their dedication to improving, whether it's batting, bowling, or fielding in the nets. I am committed to following their example, learning how to excel in the game with the right mindset and approach,” she concluded.

As her WPL campaign shifts to Vadodara, Gautami is focused on her goals. "Individually, I aim to contribute runs for my team in every situation. I want to make a strong impression and demonstrate that RCB's domestic players are here with a robust mindset.

“My ultimate goal is to win as many matches for RCB as possible, with the ambition of claiming the trophy. I am committed to giving my all in batting, bowling, and fielding for the team,” she affirmed.