‘Chess helps me stay calm,’ says Yuzvendra Chahal, must play with R Ashwin.

The Tech Mahindra Global Chess League has been one of the most talked about tournaments in the world of sports in recent weeks as its unique format as well as the introduction of the franchise format has got everyone excited.

The likes of world champions Magnus Carlsen and Viswanathan Anand are among those who have praised the tournament and are sure that competition will be stiff being part of the mix. The inaugural edition of the Global Chess League, which is being played in Dubai, began on June 21 and will conclude on July 2.

Also present at the tournament was Indian cricketer Yuzvendra Chahal, who is the ambassador of SG Alpine Warriors, who spoke about how the sport helped him. “My first jersey came from playing chess, and the game has taught me patience over the years. And that helps me in my cricket because sometimes you can bowl well but not take wickets and then it really takes patience,” he said.


A known chess fan, Chahal also pointed out that the game has similarities with cricket as both require planning your way through the game. The top spinner said that chess ensures that you remain calm no matter what the situation.

“Chess and cricket are similar, but in cricket, you can show your aggression, but in chess, you can’t. It all depends on how calm you are in chess. For example, if I bowl I can say something if I am a batsman, but in chess, you have to stay calm and focused. And that will eventually help you in your life as well,” the Indian cricketer said on the sidelines of the Global Chess League in Dubai.

Chahal, who had said that he did not expect to play for the Indian cricket team after moving away from chess, said that the Global Chess League is a big opportunity for the game.

“In India, we always watch cricket, but Global Chess League is the IPL of chess. This is the first edition of this tournament, so comparison with IPL is not fair. But it is a great initiative as people will learn chess and learn about the league More about.”

“And the new format of mixed teams is also a great thing. I am waiting for about 10-15 years, and then you will see new players coming, and people will talk about the Global Chess League. I will be very happy when It comes at that stage.”

Asked about chess and the Indian cricket team, Chahal said they play while travelling.

“In the Indian team, there is no one who can beat me (laughs). Sometimes I play with R Ashwin, and then Shankar Basu, our trainer I used to play with. We used to play a lot during flights and when we were traveling.”

Chahal, who finds time to play chess on the internet from time to time, said, “I play chess sometimes during travel before games as it helps me to stay calm. And especially during flights, I play chess.” play.” ,

“Chess is now on the rise and I have been associated with the game for two decades and it (chess) is my first love,” he said.