PremiumWatch: Former Indian spinner meets Chess wizard D Gukesh ahead of IPL 2025
In a unique crossover of sports, veteran Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin met reigning World Chess Champion D Gukesh at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. Watch the video here.
Last Updated: 07.02 PM, Mar 21, 2025
A special moment was witnessed at the MA Chidambaram Stadium as cricket and chess crossed their paths in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin and reigning world chess champion D. Gukesh. The meeting between the two Chennai-born sports icons created a buzz on social media, with Ashwin displaying a broad smile while greeting the 18-year-old chess prodigy.
Ravichandran Ashwin, who is set to make a comeback to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) after a decade, took a samll break from his cricket preparation to meet India's chess sensation D Gukesh. The off-spinner, who was bought by CSK at a price of INR 9.75 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction in Jeddah, is expected to play a key role in the franchise’s campaign this season. CSK will kick-off their IPL 2025 journey against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on March 23 at their home ground, the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Ashwin and Gukesh face-off on a Chess board
During their meeting, Ashwin and Gukesh engaged in a friendly face-off in a game of chess. The two Chennai stars shared a light-hearted moment, with Ashwin signing the chessboard after their match. The veteran spinner also presented a CSK jersey to the young chess sensation as a token of appreciation.
The camaraderie between the two was well-received by fans, and CSK’s official social media handle posted a video clip of their interaction. Watch the video here:
CSK looking to continue their dominance against MI
With IPL 2025 set to kick off on March 22, CSK fans are eager to see their team in action against arch-rivals MI. The Yellow Army has dominated this fixture in the last couple of seasons, and they will be looking to extend their winning streak against the five-time champions.
With Ashwin returning to CSK, the spin attack which also includes Ravindra Jadeja and Afghanistan’s young sensation Noor Ahmad has attainded further depth. The spin trio is expected to play a crucial role at Chepauk, where the pitch traditionally favours spinners.