Russian Chess Grandmaster Peter Svidler: An Unlikely Cricket Aficionado

Grandmaster Peter Svidler, a 47-year-old Russian, has an unusual passion for cricket, a sport typically associated with India. His love for the game began with the iconic 1999 World Cup match between India and Pakistan, which he witnessed at a Pakistani restaurant in Greece. Despite the political tensions between the two countries, the excitement and tension of the match captivated Svidler.

Svidler's passion for cricket extends beyond watching the game. He is an avid Test cricket connoisseur and an England fan. Among Indian players, he admires Rahul Dravid and Yashasvi Jaiswal, predicting a bright future for the latter.

In a surprising turn of events, Svidler became the trainer of Indian chess prodigy R Praggnanandhaa last year. Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, they share a common temperament and a love for cricket. Svidler credits Praggnanandhaa for suggesting an offbeat Sicilian sideline that helped him win a game in the TePe Sigeman tournament.

Svidler's coaching experience with Praggnanandhaa has been mutually beneficial. He enjoys the challenge of helping a talented player grow, while Praggnanandhaa has developed a greater interest in cricket. They often go for walks together during tournaments to relax and discuss chess and cricket.

Svidler's unique combination of chess expertise and cricket enthusiasm makes him an intriguing figure in the world of sports. His passion for both games is evident in his commentary, where he often draws parallels between chess and cricket.

Tags: #Cricket, #Chess, #Indo-RussianPartnership, #PeterSvidler, #RPraggnanandhaa