Gautami Naik Receives Heartfelt Message from Cricket Star Hardik Pandya After WPL Victory
A Special Surprise for Gautami Naik
New Delhi: After a thrilling win against the Gujarat Giants in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2026, Gautami Naik from Royal Challengers Bengaluru was pleasantly surprised by a video message from her cricket idol, Hardik Pandya.
With a 32-run victory, RCB secured their spot in the playoffs, marking their fifth consecutive win in the tournament. The 2024 champions have yet to face defeat this season, showcasing an impressive performance.
Following the match, Gautami expressed her admiration for Pandya, stating her desire to emulate his playing style. She mentioned, “Hardik Pandya is my cricketing idol. I aspire to play like him. I often watch him handle pressure with composure, which resonates with my own nature.”
In a touching moment, Gautami received a phone with a video from Pandya, who said, “Hi Gautami, Hardik here. I’m thrilled to know that I inspire young cricketers like you. Congratulations on your first half-century! Enjoy the game, and I wish you all the best in your journey with your franchise and for the country. Stay disciplined and keep loving the sport.”
Gautami's Emotional Reaction
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Overwhelmed with joy, Gautami exclaimed, “This is an incredible moment for me; I never anticipated anything like this. I can’t express how I feel right now. Hardik is my idol, and receiving a message from him feels like a significant achievement in my life. Thank you so much for this. I would love to meet him; I admire him greatly, both as a player and as a person.”
She added, “Hardik sir, I would love to meet you. I’m a huge fan and aspire to play like you. Please continue to inspire me. Best of luck for the T20 World Cup; I hope you excel. Our support is with you. Keep pushing and help India secure the World Cup.”