D Gukesh and Koneru Humpy: India’s Sole Representatives in March’s FIDE Top 10 Rankings
D Gukesh and Koneru Humpy Stand Tall as India’s Only Representatives in FIDE Top 10
March 04, 2026, 10:29 IST
In a significant update to the FIDE ratings released this month, world champion D Gukesh and veteran chess star Koneru Humpy emerge as the sole Indian players in the top 10 rankings, highlighting a stark contrast between Indian and international chess talent.
D Gukesh, currently ranked No. 10 in the world, continues to solidify his status as a leading figure in men’s chess. Meanwhile, Koneru Humpy, a trailblazer in women’s chess, holds her ground at No. 5, showcasing her enduring prowess in the game.
However, the news isn’t as bright for other Indian players. Arjun Erigaisi, who previously held the No. 5 spot, has slipped to No. 11 following a challenging performance at the Tata Steel Masters. Despite this setback, he remains India’s only representative in the top 10 for Rapid and Blitz formats.
R Praggnanandhaa also faced a decline, dropping from No. 8 to No. 13 in classical chess after his outing at the same tournament. On the women’s side, Humpy stands as India’s lone top-10 player, while Divya Deshmukh maintains her position at No. 12 despite not participating in any classical events in February.
The March FIDE rating list, which reflects results from major competitions including the Tata Steel Masters and other international tournaments, paints a clear picture of India’s chess landscape. Currently, India boasts 12 players in the Open top 100 and seven in the Women’s top 100, underscoring the country’s growing presence in the global chess arena.
The current top Indian players in the FIDE rankings are as follows:
- D Gukesh – No. 10
- Arjun Erigaisi – No. 11
- R Praggnanandhaa – No. 13
- Nihal Sarin – No. 24
- Vidit Gujrathi – No. 30
In the women’s rankings, four Indian players remain in the world top 20:
- Koneru Humpy – No. 5
- Divya Deshmukh – No. 12
- R Vaishali – No. 18
- Harika Dronavalli – No. 20
Compared to February, Humpy has moved up one spot, while Deshmukh has held steady, and Vaishali and Dronavalli have each slipped two places.
As the chess community looks ahead, the performances of these players will be closely monitored, especially as they prepare for upcoming international competitions. The current rankings not only reflect individual talent but also the evolving dynamics of chess in India, a country that continues to nurture and produce exceptional talent on the global stage.