Cricket

Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming moment with chess legend Viswanathan Anand on a flight. Ashwin, a self-proclaimed "fanboy," posted a picture on Instagram expressing his admiration for Anand, who hails from the same state of Tamil Nadu.Anand, India's first chess grandmaster, has achieved remarkable success in the sport, becoming a five-time World Chess Champion. His contributions have paved the way for chess in India, inspiring a generation of players.Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills in Test cricket, has also ventured into the world of chess. In July, he became the co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League 2024.The meeting between Ashwin and Anand sparked excitement among fans, who praised the duo for their achievements in their respective fields. Ashwin's caption on Instagram read, "A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand."Anand's journey to becoming India's first chess grandmaster in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the country. He reached the pinnacle of chess, holding the No. 1 ranking for 21 consecutive months.In 2024, India made history by winning its first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in both the men's and women's categories. This triumph showcased the growing strength of chess in India, a testament to Anand's influence.Meanwhile, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation, particularly in Test cricket. He is currently only 83 wickets behind Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers with the most Test wickets.Despite India's recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series, Ashwin remains a key player for the team. He expressed his disappointment over the defeat, calling it a "shattering experience."Ashwin is set to feature for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting from November 22. His experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to regain its dominance in Test cricket.

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.

Yuzvendra Chahal: From Chessboard to Cricket Field, a Journey of Patience and SuccessRajasthan Royals' star spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has etched his name in the annals of Indian Premier League (IPL) history by becoming the first player to reach the milestone of 200 wickets. In a recent interview, Chahal shared his thoughts on this achievement, his cricketing journey, and the influence of chess on his game.Chahal expressed his gratitude for reaching the 200-wicket mark, acknowledging it as a significant milestone in his career. He emphasized that his focus remains on contributing to his team's success and taking wickets to help them win matches.The spinner's milestone came during the match against Mumbai Indians on April 22, when he caught and bowled Afghanistan all-rounder Mohammed Nabi. Chahal has taken 200 wickets in 153 IPL matches at an impressive average of 21.37, with best figures of 5/40. He has represented Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and currently plays for Rajasthan Royals.Chahal also discussed the impact of playing chess at the youth level for India on his cricketing approach. He believes that chess has instilled in him a sense of patience on the field, which is crucial in the game of cricket. He enjoys playing chess with teammates Ravichandran Ashwin and Jos Buttler."Chess has given me patience. Sometimes you do not get wickets on good balls. It goes on for matches. Just like you plan your moves in chess, the same goes for cricket and you have to stay a step ahead of batters," Chahal explained.At 34 years old, Chahal believes he has matured with age but still maintains his fun-loving personality and enjoys playing pranks on his teammates. "I have not changed a lot. Maybe I am a little older and got a little more beard. I have mostly stayed the same, fun-loving, prank-doing guy. Maybe, I should have batted more (laughs)," he added.Chahal's journey from chessboard to cricket field is a testament to his adaptability and the importance of patience and strategy in both sports. His success in the IPL is a reflection of his hard work, dedication, and the influence of chess on his cricketing mindset.

Ravichandran Ashwin's 100th Test milestone was a testament to his exceptional skill and longevity in the sport. The veteran off-spinner marked the occasion with a stellar performance, claiming four wickets as England were bowled out for 218 on the opening day of the fifth Test in Dharamshala.Ashwin's achievement was widely celebrated, with the Indian cricket board (BCCI) sharing a video on Twitter where he discussed the influence of chess champion Viswanathan Anand on his game. Ashwin revealed that he had reached out to Anand during the pandemic to discuss chess on his YouTube channel.Anand, in turn, praised Ashwin's mental fortitude and strategic thinking, calling him "the chess player amongst the cricketers." He also shared that Ashwin had sought his advice on improving the mental aspect of his game through chess.Ashwin's journey to 100 Tests has been marked by both brilliance and perseverance. He made his debut in 2011 and has since established himself as one of the most successful bowlers in the world. His ability to spin the ball prodigiously and outfox batsmen with his variations has made him a formidable opponent.Off the field, Ashwin is known for his intelligence and analytical approach to the game. He is an avid reader and has a keen interest in history and philosophy. His ability to think strategically and adapt to different situations has been a key factor in his success.As Ashwin continues his illustrious career, he remains a role model for aspiring cricketers and a source of inspiration for fans around the world. His 100th Test is a testament to his dedication, skill, and the enduring power of the human spirit.