Cheteshwar Pujara: Sachin has an aura

Cheteshwar Pujara salutes Sachin Tendulkar.

I have always found him to be very encouraging and motivating.

Of course, he is a fount of inspiration to all youngsters.

I always feel he has an aura and makes his presence felt wherever he is, whether in the dressing room, on the field, at a function.

I have learnt a lot from his tips, his advice and, of course, by just watching him bat.

I got out for just 4 runs in the first innings on my Test debut against Australia in Bangalore in October 2010.

In the evening, he came to me, put a hand around me, and said: "Don't worry and don't be upset. The ball which did you in kept very low and even I might have got out playing it. Your chance will definitely come and I am sure you will excel."

These words were so soothing I scored 72 runs in India's crucial second innings when we successfully chased a target of 207 runs.

"Didn't I tell you?" he cheerfully told me.

I would like to make as many runs as I can in the Mumbai Test, and win it for India and Tendulkar.

As told to Haresh Pandya

Sachin Tendulkar and Cheteshwar Pujara celebrate after India's win against Australia. Photograph: BCCI