The IPL has produced many cricketing legends, but few have had an impact beyond the sport like MS Dhoni. His influence extends to chess, where world champion Gukesh Dommaraju considers Dhoni his idol.

Gukesh, a rising star in the chess world, credits Dhoni's calmness and strategic thinking as key inspirations. The young Grandmaster has emulated Dhoni's approach to pressure, helping him achieve remarkable success.

During a visit to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Gukesh shared how Dhoni's philosophy has shaped his mindset. His admiration for the IPL icon is evident in his composed demeanor during high-stakes chess matches.

Gukesh on Dhoni’s Impact

Gukesh admires Dhoni's ability to remain calm under pressure. Dhoni's strategic thinking has influenced Gukesh's approach to chess. Gukesh credits Dhoni for helping him handle pressure effectively. He expressed deep admiration for Dhoni, stating, "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, especially in the highest-pressure moments, has always inspired me. I grew up watching that, and it felt like I had to emulate it in my own craft."

Applying Dhoni’s Lessons to Chess

Gukesh's remarkable resilience was on full display during the 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship against Ding Liren. Despite losing the first game, he kept his nerves, fought back, and eventually outclassed the reigning champion in a dramatic final match. Gukesh maintained composure in high-pressure situations. Dhoni's mantra of "keeping the mind clear" guided Gukesh. Gukesh's calmness helped him secure a historic victory.

Reflecting on how Dhoni’s leadership and decision-making skills influenced his mindset, Gukesh said, “When there is a high-pressure moment, I tend to think about how Dhoni handled such situations. That has helped me stay calm. Dhoni once said, 'Keep doing the simple things, keep the mind clear when the situation is very difficult.’ I try to bring that same clarity into my game. Having seen him handle pressure so many times, it has left a lasting impact on me.”

A Fan of Dhoni’s Greatest Moment

A die-hard cricket fan, Gukesh fondly recalled his favorite Dhoni moment: the legendary six that sealed India’s victory in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final. Gukesh admires Dhoni's iconic World Cup-winning six. The moment symbolizes Dhoni's calmness and strategic brilliance. Gukesh draws inspiration from Dhoni's ability to perform under pressure.

With Gukesh’s growing dominance in the chess world and his Dhoni-like temperament under pressure, the young prodigy is poised for greater achievements. His ability to stay unshaken in high-stakes situations, much like his cricketing idol, is proving to be his greatest strength on the board.

Chennai Super Kings and Gukesh

Chennai Super Kings recently posted a video of Gukesh on X, highlighting his admiration for Dhoni. The video showcases Gukesh's visit to the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where he met CSK spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and received a signed jersey. Gukesh's visit to Chepauk was a dream come true. He played a game of chess with Ashwin during his visit. The video highlights Gukesh's connection to CSK and Dhoni. You can watch the video on X.

Final Thoughts

Gukesh's journey from a young chess enthusiast to a world champion is a testament to the power of inspiration. MS Dhoni's influence on Gukesh extends beyond cricket, shaping his approach to chess and life. As Gukesh continues to rise in the chess world, his Dhoni-like calmness and strategic mindset will undoubtedly be key to his future success.