Indian Chess Faces Harsh Reality Check Amidst Struggles of Rising Stars Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa
Indian Chess Faces Reality Check as Young Stars Struggle
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In a candid assessment of the current state of Indian chess, Grandmaster Pravin Thipsay has issued a stark warning about the challenges facing the nation’s rising stars, including the world-renowned D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. Once celebrated for their meteoric rise, these young talents are now grappling with a significant dip in form, prompting Thipsay to highlight the flaws within the Indian chess ecosystem.
The year 2024 marked a historic high for Indian chess, with Gukesh, at just 17, clinching the FIDE Candidates Tournament and later becoming the youngest World Chess Champion at 18. However, the optimism surrounding these achievements has dimmed as Gukesh’s recent performances, including a disappointing outing at the Prague Chess Masters 2026 where he secured only one victory, have raised concerns. In a heartfelt moment during the tournament, Gukesh apologized to fans for not being able to sign autographs, admitting he needed some downtime to regroup.
It’s not just Gukesh who is facing challenges; Praggnanandhaa and fellow Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi have also struggled in recent months. Despite being favorites, they failed to reach the semi-finals at the FIDE World Cup 2025 held in Goa, further emphasizing the difficulties these players are encountering.
Thipsay, who became a Grandmaster in 1997, analyzed the trio’s performances, noting a decline in their game’s accuracy and initiative. “Gukesh was phenomenal defensively, but he has lost some accuracy. Praggnanandhaa, once a dangerous attacker, isn’t finding many attacking positions anymore,” he stated in an interview with the Times of India. He pointed out that opponents are now better prepared, employing specific strategies to counter the Indian Grandmasters.
The most striking part of Thipsay’s critique focused on the systemic issues within Indian chess. He argued that the success of players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi is largely due to their individual brilliance rather than a supportive system. “Indian chess has always been very individualistic. None of these champions has been created by a system,” he remarked. Thipsay emphasized that the sacrifices made by parents and the players’ dedication are the true driving forces behind their achievements.
As the chess community reflects on these insights, the question looms: Can Indian chess cultivate a more robust system to nurture future talents? Thipsay’s warning serves as a wake-up call, suggesting that while the current stars shine brightly, the future may not be as bright unless systemic changes are made.
As Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi navigate this challenging phase, the chess world watches closely, hoping for a resurgence that can restore the glory of Indian chess on the global stage.