New Delhi, August 26 – Veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has praised fellow batsman Cheteshwar Pujara, calling him “instrumental” in shaping Virat Kohli’s run-scoring form. Speaking during a recent interview, Ashwin highlighted Pujara’s role as a stabilizing presence in India’s batting lineup.

“Believe it or not, Pujara has been key to Virat’s success,” Ashwin said, describing him as the team’s ‘white walker of the middle order’ due to his ability to anchor innings under pressure. According to Ashwin, Pujara’s patience and classical batting approach not only provides stability but also allows aggressive players like Kohli to play more freely.

Pujara, renowned for his resilience in Test cricket, often occupies crucial positions in the batting order, enabling other top-order batsmen to accelerate scoring. Analysts agree that his presence has given India a balanced mix of aggression and stability, especially in high-pressure situations.

Ashwin also noted that Pujara’s technique and temperament serve as a learning example for younger players, emphasizing discipline and focus. His mentorship, both on and off the field, has reportedly helped teammates adapt better to challenging pitch conditions and high-stakes matches.

The comments underline the often underappreciated influence of Pujara within the Indian cricket setup, highlighting his role beyond individual statistics. His contribution, Ashwin suggested, is not just in runs but in fostering confidence and composure in fellow batsmen, including India’s leading scorers.