Pranav Venkatesh and GM Shyam Sundar M: A Chess Journey Fueled by Cricket and Camaraderie

Pranav Venkatesh and his coach GM Shyam Sundar M have a unique bond that goes beyond the chessboard. The duo, who recently made headlines after Pranav clinched the World Junior Chess Championship title, have a pre-match routine that involves playing cricket in hotel rooms.

The story of Pranav’s journey to becoming the junior world chess champion began on a cricket field, where he first met his coach, Shyam. Despite initially not training for chess with Shyam, Pranav’s father approached the coach, and their serious chess journey began in January last year.

Shyam, a grandmaster himself, worked tirelessly to help Pranav balance his natural skill in fast-paced formats with the endurance needed for longer classical games. The transition wasn’t easy, but with intense training and dedication, Pranav started to excel in both formats.

Their unique pre-match routine of playing cricket in hotel rooms with makeshift equipment helped keep Pranav relaxed before important matches. This routine, along with their shared love for the game and mutual respect, has been a key factor in Pranav’s success.

As Pranav stood on the podium in Montenegro, holding the World Junior Chess Championship trophy, he reflected on the hours spent training with Shyam and the moments of relaxation playing cricket in hotel rooms. Their bond, built over shared games of cricket and relentless training, has been instrumental in Pranav’s journey to the top of the chess world.

The story of Pranav Venkatesh and GM Shyam Sundar M is not just about winning titles, but about the strong relationship between a coach and his student, united by their love for the game of chess and their shared passion for cricket.