World Champion D. Gukesh is often compared to MS Dhoni, not for his talent but for his remarkable composure under pressure. As the youngest ever World Chess Champion, Gukesh remains unfazed and unruffled across the 64 squares of the chessboard. No matter the caliber of his opponent or the intensity of the moment, the Grandmaster’s calmness is unwavering—much like Dhoni’s stoic presence on the cricket field.
In fact, Gukesh credits MS Dhoni as a major source of inspiration for his approach to handling pressure in the world of chess. Having been a long-time fan of Dhoni, Gukesh has learned crucial life lessons from the former India cricket captain, whose mental toughness and composure have left an indelible mark on his own game. Speaking at a special interaction with the Chennai Super Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Gukesh shared how Dhoni’s influence has shaped his mindset.
“MS Dhoni is one sportsperson I really admire. He is still the one I look up to. The way he doesn’t react to anything happening around him and stays calm under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations, has always inspired me. Watching him think clearly in difficult moments made me want to emulate that in my own life,” Gukesh said.
He continued, “In that sense, Dhoni has truly inspired me. I don’t react much to things, and I’m good at managing pressure. His example has helped me not only as a source of inspiration but also in improving my own game.”
Gukesh’s maturity and calmness, traits far beyond his years, have garnered admiration in the chess world. The 18-year-old demonstrated his ability to stay composed during the 2024 World Chess Championship against reigning champion Ding Liren. After suffering a loss in the first game, Gukesh remained unfazed, fighting back relentlessly to level the score and eventually outplay Liren in the final game.
In the decisive game of the 2024 FIDE World Championship, with the match tied at 6.5-6.5, Gukesh faced immense pressure. Yet, he stayed unshaken, channeling the calmness that Dhoni is known for. Ding, under pressure, made a costly mistake, and Gukesh seized the opportunity to secure victory.
Reflecting on how Dhoni’s leadership on the cricket field has influenced his own approach to chess, Gukesh shared, “When I’m in a high-pressure situation, I think about how Dhoni handled pressure in similar moments. Those instances have really helped me stay calm.”
Gukesh recalled an insightful piece of advice from Dhoni: “Keep doing the simple things, keep your mind clear, even when the situation is tough.” For Gukesh, this mantra has become a guiding principle in navigating the challenges of chess, helping him create the same sense of calm within himself during critical moments.
