Indian cricket star Ravichandran Ashwin recently shared a heartwarming moment with chess legend Viswanathan Anand on a flight. Ashwin, a self-proclaimed “fanboy,” posted a picture on Instagram expressing his admiration for Anand, who hails from the same state of Tamil Nadu.
Anand, India’s first chess grandmaster, has achieved remarkable success in the sport, becoming a five-time World Chess Champion. His contributions have paved the way for chess in India, inspiring a generation of players.
Ashwin, known for his exceptional bowling skills in Test cricket, has also ventured into the world of chess. In July, he became the co-owner of the American Gambits franchise in the Global Chess League 2024.
The meeting between Ashwin and Anand sparked excitement among fans, who praised the duo for their achievements in their respective fields. Ashwin’s caption on Instagram read, “A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand.”
Anand’s journey to becoming India’s first chess grandmaster in 1988 was a groundbreaking moment for the sport in the country. He reached the pinnacle of chess, holding the No. 1 ranking for 21 consecutive months.
In 2024, India made history by winning its first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad in both the men’s and women’s categories. This triumph showcased the growing strength of chess in India, a testament to Anand’s influence.
Meanwhile, Ashwin has established himself as one of the greatest bowlers of his generation, particularly in Test cricket. He is currently only 83 wickets behind Anil Kumble among Indian cricketers with the most Test wickets.
Despite India’s recent 0-3 loss to New Zealand in a home Test series, Ashwin remains a key player for the team. He expressed his disappointment over the defeat, calling it a “shattering experience.”
Ashwin is set to feature for India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia, starting from November 22. His experience and skill will be crucial as India aims to regain its dominance in Test cricket.
