Reigning world chess champion D Gukesh has been going through a difficult phase in recent months, but fellow grandmaster Fabiano Caruana believes the young Indian remains one of the best players in the world despite the recent struggles.
Gukesh, who made history by becoming the youngest world champion in chess, has faced a dip in form over the past year. His recent performances have raised concerns among fans and experts, particularly as he prepares for major tournaments later this year.
Difficult Run at Prague Chess Festival
The latest example of Gukesh’s struggles came at the Prague Chess Festival, where the Indian grandmaster has yet to register a win after six rounds in the classical section.
So far, Gukesh has lost three games and drawn the remaining three. Some of the defeats have come after unusual mistakes, which are rare for a player of his level. He has also faced time pressure in several games, which has affected his performance on the board.
Such results have surprised many observers, considering the strong form he showed during the year he won the world title.
Read More
Fabiano Caruana Calls the Situation “Concerning”
Speaking during the American Cup 2026 in a conversation with chess commentator Maurice Ashley, Caruana acknowledged that Gukesh’s recent results are not ideal.
He said that the situation is “concerning,” especially because Gukesh has a major responsibility later this year. As the reigning world champion, Gukesh is already guaranteed a place in the next World Chess Championship match.
However, Caruana also made it clear that he does not believe the young champion’s long-term strength should be questioned because of a few disappointing tournaments.
Read More
Fabiano Caruana on D Gukesh Form
Fabiano Caruana emphasised that temporary dips in form are common in chess and should not overshadow a player’s overall ability.
According to him, Gukesh remains a world-class competitor despite the recent setbacks.
“It cannot feel nice to be playing poorly, but I still consider him a very top player regardless of a few bad months,” Caruana said. “The last year may not have been great for him, but I do not doubt his quality.”
India’s Young Chess Stars
Fabiano Caruana also spoke about India’s new generation of chess players, which includes R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi.
All three players have achieved major success in recent years and are widely regarded as among the strongest young talents in the world.
Caruana pointed out that a short period of weaker results should not lead to strong conclusions about their future.
Read More
He noted that Praggnanandhaa had an excellent year in 2025, winning several important tournaments. Similarly, both Arjun and Gukesh enjoyed remarkable performances in 2024.
Focus on the Bigger Picture
Fabiano Caruana believes it is important to look at a longer time period before judging a player’s form, particularly when the players are still very young.
All three Indian grandmasters are in their late teens or early twenties, and Caruana expects them to remain among the world’s leading players for many years.
For Gukesh in particular, the focus will soon shift toward preparing for the next World Chess Championship match later this year.
Although the recent results have raised questions about his current form, Gukesh still has plenty of time to regain momentum before his next major challenge.
Also Read: Shanmukha Wins Hyderabad Open Rapid Chess Championship
