Gukesh Dommaraju reveals how MS Dhoni helped him become youngest world chess champion

The world champion, D. Gukesh, is inspired by MS Dhoni. Despite being the youngest world champion, the Grandmaster maintains his composure while sitting across the 64 squares. Not a thing disturbs him. When he's at work, not even the greatest people in the world, sitting across from him hoping to bring him down, can make him feel anything.

D Gukesh gives a lot of credit to MS Dhoni, a primary influence on his strategy for managing pressure in chess.  Gukesh's idol has taught him many lessons, from admiring the World Cup-winning former India captain to taking life lessons from the Chennai Super Kings icon.

Gukesh discussed the influence MS Dhoni has had on him and his game during a special meeting with the Chennai Super Kings from the MA Chidambaram Stadium. "MS Dhoni is one sportsperson I really admire. To this day, he is the one. How he doesn't react to anything that happens. How he is able to calmly think in any situation. In the highest-pressure moments, he is able to think with a clear mind. I grew up watching that. It felt like I had to emulate it in my own craft," he said.

"In that sense, he really inspired me. I don't react to things much. I am good at handling pressure. In that way, he has really helped me in my career. Not only as an inspiration but in my game as well," he added.

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MS Dhoni's strategy helped D Gukesh in Chess

Gukesh considered how observing Dhoni manage pressure and lead his team on the field had affected his chess strategy. "Whenever I'm under a lot of pressure, I usually consider how Dhoni managed to handle it in a specific circumstance.  I've been able to relax thanks to those goods. I believe in Dhoni," he stated in an interview. "When things get really tough, keep your head clear and keep doing the easy things."  I attempt to cultivate that same composure within myself when dealing with challenging chess situations.

As the Chennai Super Kings first-choice wicketkeeper, the 43-year-old, who remains an important member of the team despite resigning as captain last year, said he doesn't see himself as an impact player.