‘MS Dhoni doesn’t react to … ‘: D Gukesh on how Dhoni shaped his chess career | Chess News

NEW DELHI: Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh Dommaraju has named legendary cricketer MS Dhoni as his idol, drawing inspiration from Dhoni’s unshakable composure below strain. Gukesh admires the previous Indian captain’s potential to keep calm in high-stakes conditions and follows his mantra for dealing with strain, particularly in essential moments.
Recently, Gukesh spoke about his deep admiration for Dhoni and the numerous function the cricketing icon has performed in shaping his mindset and method to strain conditions.

“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 mentioned whereas addressing the media at Chepauk.
“In that sense, he really inspired me. I don’t react to things much. I am good at handling pressure. In that way, he has really helped me in my career. Not only as an inspiration but in my game as well,” he added.

Gukesh’s current overcome Ding Liren within the FIDE World Championship in Singapore, the place he secured a 7.5-6.5 victory, showcased his distinctive focus and psychological resilience below strain.
“When there’s a high-pressure second, I have a tendency to take into consideration how Dhoni dealt with a lot strain in a specific state of affairs. Those issues have actually helped me settle down,” Gukesh said.
He also recalled an interview where Dhoni shared a simple yet profound piece of wisdom that continues to guide him.
“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 mentioned.