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Reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh stole the spotlight at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai during a promotional event for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ahead of IPL 2025. The young chess prodigy, who became India’s No. 1 in January 2025, was invited to meet the CSK squad and engage in a fun-filled activity with the players.
Gukesh vs. R Ashwin: A Battle of Strategy
Among the highlights of the event was a friendly chess match between D Gukesh and veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set to return to CSK after nearly a decade. The duo shared a warm moment before sitting down for a light-hearted yet intriguing game of chess.
The match attracted considerable attention from fans, given that Ashwin is widely regarded as a master strategist in the world of cricket. Known for his tactical brilliance on the field, Ashwin’s encounter with Gukesh, a rising chess sensation, was a delight for the audience.
Video of Gukesh and Ashwin’s Chess Game Goes Viral
A video of the engaging encounter between Gukesh and Ashwin was widely shared on social media platforms, with fans expressing their excitement over the unique face-off. Many hailed it as a meeting of minds where cricket’s king of strategy met the prodigious chess master.
Gukesh’s Plans for 2025: Learning and Dominating Tournaments
Despite his impressive rise in the world of chess, Gukesh has had a mixed start to 2025. After becoming India’s No. 1 by securing second place at the Tata Masters in Wijk aan Zee, he endured a winless run at the Weissenhaus Freestyle Chess Grand Slam. However, his coach, Grzegorz Gajewski, remains optimistic about Gukesh’s prospects this year.
“The Goal is to Dominate Tournaments” – Gajewski
Gajewski recently spoke about Gukesh’s ambitions for 2025, emphasizing the need for continuous growth and tournament success.
“So I think for this year it's similar. For me, the most important role is for him to learn and to improve. And obviously, we will be trying to add some new elements to his game. For him, it’s also important to win the events and ideally to dominate. If it's possible to dominate, definitely we'll give it a try, but at the very least to win a couple of close tournaments,” Gajewski stated.
Face-Off with Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025
Gukesh’s upcoming schedule includes a high-profile clash with former World Champion Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025, which is set to begin in May. Gajewski hinted that Gukesh’s participation in the event is not just to gain experience but to challenge for victory.
“Sure, we're not coming there to learn. I mean, we're learning all the time but we're coming there to win,” Gajewski asserted, sending a strong message to Gukesh’s future opponents.
