Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) all-rounder Shreyanka Patil heaped praise on uncapped Indian batter Gautami Naik following her maiden half-century in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), as RCB continued their dominant run in the 2026 season.

RCB registered their fifth consecutive victory in the ongoing Women's Premier League after defeating Gujarat Giants by 61 runs, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs. Shreyanka said Gautami’s strong batting performance was expected, given her domestic record and consistent performances.

“I mean, personally, if you ask me, the way she batted.

We all knew that it was coming soon because I had watched it closely in the domestic circuit as well. The way she hits the ball, not many can hit the ball that big in domestic. She has worked really hard, she has put in the extra yards in fielding, batting and bowling also,” she said at the post-match press conference.

Batting first, RCB posted a competitive 178/6 in their 20 overs. Gautami Naik anchored the innings with an impressive 73 off 55 balls, registering her maiden WPL half-century. She was well supported by Smriti Mandhana, who scored 26, and Richa Ghosh, who contributed 27.

For Gujarat Giants, Ashleigh Gardner and Kashvee Gautam picked up two wickets each. In reply, Gujarat Giants were rocked early by RCB’s pace attack. Sayali Sathghare struck twice in the second over, reducing GG to 5/3 within the first three overs. Despite a fighting 54 from Ashleigh Gardner, Gujarat Giants never fully recovered and were restricted to 117/8 in 20 overs.

Sayali Sathghare finished as the standout bowler with figures of 3/21, while Nadine de Klerk (2/17) and Lauren Bell (1/23) provided solid support. She also highlighted the team’s effort amid a demanding schedule.

"I mean, obviously, we're very happy that we got five in a row wins now. It wasn't that easy for us over the last four days to play three games and a travel day as well. So the team, the management, and the physios have really put in that extra effort to make sure all the players are recovered well, giving water, giving electrols the massage. Everything is happening so well, and the team camaraderie is actually really good, and we are having fun right now," she said.