New Delhi | Aug 26, 2025

Ravichandran Ashwin has paid an emotional tribute to Cheteshwar Pujara following the latter’s retirement from all formats of Indian cricket. Pujara, widely regarded as India’s “Mr. Dependable” in Tests, concluded his illustrious career having played 103 matches and scoring over 7,195 runs at an average of 43.60, including 19 centuries and 35 half-centuries. Known for his grit and patience at the crease, Pujara’s ability to wear down opposition bowlers often made scoring easier for his teammates.

Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin highlighted Pujara’s critical role in supporting Virat Kohli’s prolific run-scoring in Tests. “Not every cricketer gets the attention, but that does not mean their contribution is any less. Pujara’s contribution at No.3, believe it or not, was instrumental in helping Virat Kohli score many of his runs,” Ashwin said. The former India captain and Pujara shared several memorable partnerships that helped India dominate in key matches, especially against top bowling attacks.

Ashwin further emphasized that Pujara deserves recognition on par with cricketing stars like Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Among his many achievements, Pujara remains the only Indian batsman to have faced over 500 balls in a single Test innings—525 deliveries against Australia in Ranchi in 2017.

One of Pujara’s most iconic innings came during India’s historic win at the Gabba, Brisbane, in the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Facing Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, Pujara withstood 211 deliveries, scoring 56 runs while enduring 11 hits to the body, showcasing his unwavering determination and ability to absorb pressure.

Ashwin also shared the nickname he gave Pujara: the “white walker of Indian cricket,” inspired by the iconic characters from HBO’s Game of Thrones. “He walks slowly but never leaves the field,” Ashwin said, praising Pujara’s methodical and tireless style, which often frustrated bowlers and steadied India’s innings.

Recalling the 2018 Test in Johannesburg against South Africa, Ashwin highlighted Pujara’s courage on a pitch later deemed dangerous by the International Cricket Council (ICC). Pujara scored 50 runs off 197 balls in the first innings, facing 53 balls before even getting off the mark. “Pujara always did the thankless job; his contribution in low-scoring matches is unbelievable. People don’t talk about him much, but he is a bona fide legend,” Ashwin concluded.

With his retirement, Pujara leaves behind a legacy of resilience, consistency, and selfless dedication - a player who quietly built the foundation for India’s cricketing success while rarely seeking the limelight.

R Ashwin Hails Cheteshwar Pujara: The White Walker of Indian Cricket

Ravichandran Ashwin calls Cheteshwar Pujara India’s “white walker” - slow, steady, and unstoppable. From grinding bowlers to paving the way for teammates like Virat Kohli, Pujara’s contributions at No.3 were monumental yet often underappreciated. With 103 Tests, 19 centuries, and iconic innings like facing 525 balls vs Australia or standing tall at the Gabba, he’s the ultimate Mr. Dependable. Ashwin says it best: Pujara walks slowly but never leaves the field. A true legend who quietly changed Indian cricket forever.