Ashwin gifts CSK jersey to chess world champion D Gukesh
What's the story
Former Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin recently had a memorable encounter with the world's youngest chess champion, D Gukesh, at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium.
The meeting was even more special as Ashwin marked his return to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2025 after a nine-year gap since 2015.
The meeting was shared on CSK's official social media platforms, highlighting the interaction between Ashwin and the young chess prodigy.
Here's more.
Chess match
A special gift and a game of chess
During their meeting, Ashwin gifted Gukesh a CSK jersey with 'Gukesh' printed on the back.
They played a friendly game of chess, and Ashwin signed the board as a keepsake.
As mentioned, this interaction was shared by CSK's official social media accounts, highlighting Gukesh's love for Chennai and introducing him as part of the 'Chennai Superstar
Chess champion
Gukesh's remarkable achievements in chess
Gukesh's thrilling victory over China's Ding Liren in Singapore made him the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to win the World Chess Championship.
He also broke Garry Kasparov's record as the youngest world champion and became the first teenager to claim the prestigious title.
Earlier this year, he achieved a career-high No. 3 ranking in FIDE classical ratings and received the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna award from President Droupadi Murmu.
IPL career
Ashwin's IPL journey and future prospects
Meanwhile, Ashwin has picked 180 wickets in IPL from 212 matches at an economy of 7.12.
Apart from CSK, he has also represented Rising Pune Supergiants, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Rajasthan Royals.
Meanwhile, his presence in CSK's playing XI for their season opener against Mumbai Indians on March 23 at Chepauk remains to be seen.
The match will be CSK's first of the season and a new chapter in Ashwin's illustrious cricketing career.
Twitter Post
X post by CSK
World champion of chess! ♟️
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) March 21, 2025
A Chennai paiyan at heart! 💛
A sparring with Ashwin! 🦁🤝
Introducing Chennai Superstars! Get set to meet Gukesh and his love for the city!🥳🤝
Coming Soon! 📹🔜#WhistlePodu #Yellove 🦁💛 pic.twitter.com/bwVRm4zSDn