D Gukesh, the reigning world chess champion and the youngest one to win the title, has expressed his love for MS Dhoni and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic. He recalled Dhoni’s match-winning 2011 World Cup final shot and praised his composure and calmness on the field. Gukesh was recently in action in the Paris Freestyle Grand Slam event and will soon be in action in the upcoming Norway Open in May, where he will also face Magnus Carlsen.
Gukesh also had Paddy Upton as his mental conditioning coach for the World Championship. Upton has previously worked with India, including Dhoni’s 2011 World Cup-winning team. Gukesh’s strategy was to tire out Liren if necessary and make the Chinese GM create mistakes. He said that they tried to keep Ding not at his absolute best and prolong the game and let him.
Lionel Messi’s return to India in 2025 after 14 years is also expected, but he was struggling to stay at the board. D Gukesh is among the most popular personalities in India currently, and his love for Dhoni and Djokovic has made him a national hero MS Dhoni is Like an Emotion’: D Gukesh Recalls Watching Final Shot at 2011 World Cup at Age 5 make a mistake.
New Delhi, April 2025 — Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh, who recently made history by becoming the youngest-ever challenger for the World Chess Championship, opened up about his admiration for cricket legend MS Dhoni, recalling a cherished childhood memory tied to India’s iconic 2011 World Cup victory In a recent interview, the 17-year-old grandmaster.
Fondly spoke about his early love for cricket and the lasting impression left by Dhoni’s unforgettable six that sealed India’s win against Sri Lanka in the final at the Wankhede Stadium I was just five years old when I saw Dhoni hit that six,” Gukesh said, smiling. “Even at that age, I could feel the electricity in the air. Everyone around me was cheering, and I didn’t.
For Gukesh, Dhoni isn’t just a cricketing icon he represents composure under pressure, something the young chess star says he tries to channel during tense moments on the board. “MS Dhoni is like an emotion for so many of us. His calmness, the way he handles pressure — it’s inspiring. I try to bring some of that mindset into my own game fully understand game.
The memory of the 2011 World Cup win, Gukesh says, is etched in the minds of every Indian. “Even now, when I watch that moment, it gives me goosebumps. It was not just a cricket match — it was a moment of national pride but I knew something special had happened. Gukesh’s journey in chess has been marked by discipline and resilience, qualities that he believes.
As Gukesh continues his rapid rise in the world of chess, he carries with him the inspiration of India’s sporting greats. “Watching champions like Dhoni made me believe I could do are also hallmarks of Dhoni’s career. “People often talk about Dhoni’s finishing abilities, but for me, it’s his consistency and his leadership that stand out the most.”something big too. That belief.
In a recent interview, the 17-year-old grandmaster, who is making waves in the chess world, reflected on the impact that Dhoni’s composure and leadership had on him growing up. “Even though I was just five, I remember Dhoni’s final shot like it was yesterday,” Gukesh said. “It was an incredible moment. Even at that age, I felt the energy and excitement. The whole nation celebrated together.”
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