Did RCB's Gautami Naik Just Get the Best Surprise from Hardik Pandya?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a heartwarming moment for budding cricketer Gautami Naik, she received a surprise video from her idol Hardik Pandya after a victorious match in the WPL 2026. This encounter not only highlights the inspirational bond between athletes but also showcases the spirit of sportsmanship and encouragement in cricket.
Key Takeaways
- Gautami Naik received an inspiring message from her idol, Hardik Pandya.
- RCB achieved a significant victory, securing their spot in the playoffs.
- The impact of mentorship in sports is crucial for young athletes.
- Gautami's aspirations reflect the importance of role models in cricket.
- The spirit of camaraderie and encouragement is alive in the cricketing community.
New Delhi, Jan 20 (NationPress) Gautami Naik, an all-rounder for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was pleasantly surprised by a video message from her cricketing idol, Hardik Pandya, following her team's win over the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026 on Monday.
RCB secured their spot in the tournament playoffs with a 32-run victory against GG, marking their fifth consecutive win and maintaining an impressive unbeaten streak. This year, they are the only team to have lost a match, having triumphed in five games since the tournament began.
After the match, Gautami expressed her admiration for Pandya, sharing her aspirations to contribute to her team in a manner similar to his.
“My cricketing idol is Hardik Pandya. I always aspire to emulate his style of play. I closely observe how he handles pressure situations with composure, which is reflective of my own style. I aim to play like him,” she mentioned in a video shared by WPL.
At that moment, Gautami was given a phone to view a special video message from Pandya, in which he stated, “Hi Gautami, Hardik here. I learned that I'm your cricketing idol. It’s truly rewarding to inspire young cricketers. Congratulations on your first half-century! Enjoy the game, and I hope you achieve even greater success for your franchise and your country. Keep your passion for cricket alive, maintain discipline, and enjoy the game.”
Overwhelmed with joy upon seeing the video, Gautami exclaimed, “This is a fantastic moment for me; I never anticipated something like this. I can’t express how I feel right now. Receiving a message from my idol signifies that I have accomplished something significant in my life. I truly appreciate this. I would love to meet him; I admire him as a player and as an individual.”
“Hardik sir, I would love to meet you. I am an immense fan of yours and aspire to play like you. Please continue to inspire me. Best of luck for the T20 World Cup; I hope you excel as well. Our blessings are with you to help India lift the World Cup,” Gautami added.
Point of View
This incident serves as a reminder of the positive impact established athletes can have on emerging talent. Gautami Naik's experience reflects not only her skill but also the supportive nature of the cricketing community in India, fostering a sense of hope and determination among young players.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gautami Naik?
Gautami Naik is an all-rounder for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the Women’s Premier League, known for her dynamic performance.
What did Hardik Pandya say in the video message?
In the video, Hardik congratulated Gautami on her achievements and encouraged her to enjoy the sport while maintaining discipline.
How did Gautami feel about receiving the video?
Gautami was overwhelmed with joy and expressed that receiving a message from her idol was a significant moment in her life.
What is the Women's Premier League?
The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is a professional Twenty20 cricket league in India that features female cricketers from around the world.
What was RCB's performance in the tournament?
RCB has secured a place in the playoffs with an unbeaten streak, having won five consecutive matches.
