How cricket great MS Dhoni helped Gukesh become World Chess Champion

Cricket superstar Mahendra Singh Dhoni might not have known he played a crucial role in helping D Gukesh become the youngest World Chess Champion last December.

Gukesh has revealed that though he never met Dhoni, his rise in chess was greatly influenced by a special quality in India's most successful men's cricket captain - the ability to remain calm under pressure.

"How he (Dhoni) doesn't react to anything that happens, how he is able to calmly think in any kind of situation; in the highest pressure moments, he is able to think with a clear mind. Having seen those things since childhood, it felt like I had to emulate it in my own craft." Gukesh talked about his admiration for the ace cricketer, affectionately called 'thala' (head or leader) by Chennaites, in a special show done for Dhoni's IPL franchise, Chennai Super Kings.

"In that sense, he really inspired me. I don't react to stuff much, I'm good at handling pressure. There is a connection that I have, and I think in that sense he has helped me also in my career. Not only as inspiration but also, me trying to emulate his style," said the 18-year-old.

The Dhoni impact
Gukesh's ability to stay calm under pressure and turn adverse situations into his favour was evident from his World Chess Championship match against Ding Liren of China. Gukesh overcame his nerves quite early in the 14-game match against his experienced opponent.

Ding won the first game, but Gukesh bounced back with a win in Game 3. The most striking thing about Gukesh's campaign was his ability to put setbacks aside in a flash and focus.

"A few moments, where like in the high pressure moments, where my mind is going crazy, I tend to think - for example, how did Dhoni handle so much pressue in a match. Those things helped me to calm myself down and focus on what's in the moment," Gukesh said.

One only needs to look at Games 11 to 14 in the World Championship to know what Gukesh was talking about. The youngster had scored a big win in Game 11 to make him the favourite, but Ding bounced back to balance the match. At that point, many experts felt Gukesh might capitulate because he had blown away a decisive lead. However, Gukesh regained his focus and kept believing, which resulted in him getting fortunate with a blunder from Ding in Game 14, making him an unexpected champion.

"I think Dhoni said in an interview about doing the simple things when the situation is very difficult. In chess, I try to create this kind of calmness in me, so that I can do the right things even in those moments. It impacted me because I had seen Dhoni do that many times," Gukesh said.

The Chennai lad is only India's second men's World Chess Champion after the legendary Viswanathan Anand, who also hails from the same city.