A Tribute From One Legend to Another
When Ravichandran Ashwin, one of India’s greatest match-winners with the ball, refers to Cheteshwar Pujara as the “white walker of Indian cricket,” it is not a throwaway line. It is a carefully chosen tribute to a man who has carried the weight of India’s Test batting for more than a decade. Pujara, fondly called “Mr. Dependable,” has stood like an immovable wall for Indian cricket, especially in the toughest battles overseas.
Ashwin’s description, drawn from the fantasy world of Game of Thrones, likens Pujara to the tireless, relentless figures who walk through storms without being broken. And in many ways, that is exactly what Pujara has been for Indian cricket: a warrior who thrives when the battlefield is at its harshest.
The Symbolism of the White Walker
The metaphor of the white walker fits Pujara’s style perfectly. Just as the white walkers never tire, never rush, and keep moving forward no matter the odds, Pujara’s batting has embodied those qualities on the cricket field. He doesn’t care about the speed of the bowler or the intimidation of the crowd. He stands unflinching, absorbing blow after blow, patiently wearing down bowlers until the moment comes to turn the tide in India’s favor.
It is not just about scoring runs—it is about survival, about holding the line when others cannot. Ashwin’s words reveal the respect that cricketers themselves hold for Pujara, who has often been India’s last line of defense.
Pujara’s Legacy in Indian Cricket
Pujara’s career cannot be measured only in numbers, though they are impressive: over 7000 Test runs, multiple centuries, and countless partnerships that turned games around. What defines him is the context of those runs. He has been the man India relies upon when the ball is swinging in England, seaming in Australia, or turning viciously at home.
He is not flashy, not glamorous, and rarely headlines the highlight reels. But he wins respect by embodying the old-school charm of Test cricket—grit, patience, and unshakable determination. In an era where T20 flair dominates headlines, Pujara remains the guardian of classical batting.
Ashwin and Pujara: Shared Battles
Ashwin and Pujara have shared some of the greatest Indian Test triumphs of the past decade. Whether it was the unforgettable series win in Australia in 2018-19, or the miracle at Gabba in 2021, Pujara’s resilience often provided the platform for bowlers like Ashwin to apply the finishing touch.
Ashwin, himself a student of the game and a deep thinker, has always admired players who bring substance over style. His tribute to Pujara reflects not just camaraderie, but genuine admiration for a teammate who puts team above self, time and again.
The Australia Series: Pujara’s Defining Chapter
No story of Pujara can be told without remembering the bruising series against Australia in 2020-21. Battling some of the world’s fiercest fast bowlers, Pujara endured body blows that would have sent most players packing. But he refused to flinch. Every ball faced was an act of defiance. Every partnership built was a message that India would not bow down.
That series not only defined Pujara’s reputation but cemented his place in cricket folklore. Even without scoring a flashy century, his grit made him the hero of the series. Ashwin, who played a key role in that victory as well, would have seen firsthand the pain, the bruises, and the courage that Pujara carried for the team.
The Art of Patience in an Impatient Era
Cricket today is dominated by power-hitting and instant entertainment. In this environment, Pujara’s game is almost an act of rebellion. He plays slowly, leaving deliveries with discipline, grinding attacks over hours, and taking pleasure in the old-fashioned way of constructing an innings.
It is not easy to do what Pujara does. Mental toughness of the highest order is required to play an innings of 200 balls for 70 runs, knowing that every dot ball is adding pressure on the opposition. He has mastered the art of patience, something Ashwin and his peers value immensely. For them, Pujara is the unsung hero who gives meaning to the word “teamwork.”
The Respect of Teammates
Ashwin’s tribute reflects how highly Pujara is regarded in the dressing room. Teammates have often spoken about his quiet intensity, his willingness to take blows for the team, and his complete lack of ego. While others may enjoy the spotlight, Pujara is content with being the silent warrior, his bat doing the talking when the team needs him most.
Such players often do not get the fanfare they deserve. But within the team, they are priceless. Ashwin’s words remind fans that while runs and wickets are celebrated, it is grit and resilience that often win battles.
A Contrast in Styles
Ashwin and Pujara represent two different but complementary styles of cricket. Ashwin, with his inventive mind and knack for constant innovation, thrives on surprising opponents. Pujara, on the other hand, thrives on consistency, discipline, and wearing down opponents. Together, they represent the dual nature of Indian cricket’s modern success: creativity paired with resilience.
This balance has been one of India’s biggest strengths in the Test arena. Both players, in their own way, have contributed to making India a dominant force in world cricket.
Why Pujara Is India’s Mr. Dependable
The nickname “Mr. Dependable” is not just a title—it is a recognition of the countless times Pujara has walked in under pressure and steadied the ship. Whether India is chasing a difficult target or saving a match on the final day, Pujara’s calm presence reassures teammates and fans alike.
Cricket is as much about moments as it is about statistics. And Pujara has given India some of its most defining moments—matches where his batting gave hope when all seemed lost. That is why tributes like Ashwin’s carry so much weight. They are acknowledgments of the invisible battles that fans may not always notice, but players never forget.
Beyond Runs: The Spirit of Test Cricket
What makes Pujara so special is that he represents the essence of Test cricket. In a world where many players shift focus to the shorter formats, Pujara has stayed true to his craft. His game is built for the long form, where mental battles matter as much as skill.
Ashwin’s words highlight that Test cricket is still about character as much as it is about talent. And in Pujara, India has found a player who is not just technically sound, but mentally unbreakable.
The Human Side of Pujara
Off the field, Pujara is known for his humility and simplicity. He is not a man of theatrics or drama, but of quiet confidence. His journey has been one of persistence—facing criticism, dealing with being dropped, and yet returning stronger every time.
This resilience in life mirrors his resilience on the field. Fans admire him not only for his batting but for the values he represents: hard work, humility, and discipline.
Ashwin’s Tribute as a Marker of Legacy
When one great player pays tribute to another, it becomes a moment of legacy. Ashwin calling Pujara the “white walker of Indian cricket” ensures that future generations will remember him not just as a run-scorer, but as a warrior who fought battles few others could.
It elevates Pujara into the realm of myth—someone whose presence was almost otherworldly, whose contribution went beyond numbers, and whose spirit inspired teammates and fans alike.
Conclusion: The Eternal Guardian
Cheteshwar Pujara’s story is not just about runs, centuries, or records. It is about standing tall when the team needed him most, about facing storms without blinking, about being the shield that protected Indian cricket on its toughest days.
Ashwin’s tribute captures that essence beautifully. By calling him the “white walker of Indian cricket,” he immortalized Pujara as a figure who defied pain, pressure, and time itself.
For fans, Pujara will always be remembered as India’s eternal guardian in whites. For teammates like Ashwin, he will remain a warrior who never wavered. And for cricket itself, he will forever symbolize the soul of Test cricket—resilient, unyielding, and timeless.
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