Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has revealed that cricket legend MS Dhoni played a crucial role in shaping his mental approach to chess. Gukesh, who recently made history by becoming the youngest world chess champion, credited Dhoni’s calm and composed mindset as a significant influence in handling high-pressure situations.
Gukesh shared how observing Dhoni’s ability to stay unaffected by pressure during critical cricket matches taught him valuable lessons about emotional control and decision-making. “Dhoni never reacts — whether he wins or loses, he remains calm. That’s something I’ve tried to incorporate into my chess games,” Gukesh said.
During the World Chess Championship against Ding Liren, Gukesh applied this mindset, staying composed even after setbacks. He explained that Dhoni’s philosophy of “staying present and not overthinking outcomes” helped him maintain focus and recover from difficult positions on the board.
Gukesh also highlighted the importance of simplicity, another lesson he picked up from Dhoni. “Dhoni often emphasizes keeping things simple and focusing on the basics. I’ve learned to avoid complicating things unnecessarily, which has improved my strategic clarity in matches,” he noted.
Apart from strategic lessons, Dhoni’s sportsmanship and how he accepted victories and defeats with humility have also made a lasting impact on Gukesh. “It’s not about winning; it’s about how you conduct yourself when losing. Dhoni’s humility and grace have taught me to remain humble no matter the result,” Gukesh further stated.
The young grandmaster’s meteoric rise to the top of the chess world has been nothing short of phenomenal, and the influence of Dhoni’s mental toughness has undoubtedly been a major contributor. “I’ve seen so many games where Dhoni would remain calm even when the team was facing all sorts of pressure. That’s the kind of calm I try to introduce in my chess matches,” he stated.
Gukesh’s ability to remain mentally strong under pressure has set him apart on the global stage. As he continues to make strides in his career, the lessons he has absorbed from Dhoni’s leadership and mental fortitude will likely continue to guide him in future tournaments.
By channeling Dhoni’s calmness and focus, Gukesh has not only elevated his chess game but also emerged as a role model for young athletes across different sports.
