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Reigning chess world champion Gukesh Dommaraju recently opened up about his admiration for cricket legend MS Dhoni and how the former India and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) captain inspired his calm and composed approach to chess. During his visit to the MA Chidambaram Stadium (Chepauk) in Chennai, Gukesh highlighted Dhoni's influence in shaping his mindset and handling pressure in critical moments.
MS Dhoni: An Inspiration for Gukesh's Calm Demeanor
Gukesh, a self-proclaimed Chennai Super Kings fan, described Dhoni as his idol and a major influence in his career.
“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,” Gukesh said while addressing the media at Chepauk.
Gukesh emphasized that Dhoni’s composed and methodical approach, especially under pressure, resonated deeply with him and contributed significantly to his success as a chess player.
Dhoni’s Mantra for Handling Pressure
Gukesh is known for his steely nerves and ability to stay calm in high-stakes situations, a trait he credits to Dhoni's influence. His remarkable 7.5-6.5 victory over Ding Liren in the FIDE World Championship in Singapore was a testament to his unwavering focus and mental fortitude.
“When there is a high-pressure moment, I tend to think about how Dhoni handled so much pressure in a particular situation. Those things have really helped me calm down," Gukesh said.
Referring to Dhoni's approach to difficult situations, Gukesh cited one of the cricketing legend’s famous quotes:
“Dhoni, I think, said in an interview: ‘Keep doing the simple things, keep the mind clear when the situation is very difficult.’ When facing tough situations in chess, I try to create that same calmness within myself.”
Gukesh acknowledged that witnessing Dhoni’s composed demeanor over the years had a profound impact on his ability to handle critical situations during intense matches.
Gukesh's Favorite MS Dhoni Moment
When asked about his favorite moment from Dhoni's illustrious career, Gukesh instantly pointed to the match-winning six over long-on in the 2011 ICC World Cup final in Mumbai, which sealed India’s historic triumph.
“Having seen Dhoni so many times, it has impacted me,” he said with admiration.
