World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana just dropped a bombshell in an exclusive interview, admitting it’s getting tough to keep up with the Indian chess wave. The Italian-American grandmaster, known for his sharp play and cool demeanour, sees India’s rise as both a challenge and a good thing for the sport.
Fabiano Caruana Talks About Indian Chess
Caruana sat down with Firstpost’s Rupha Ramani to talk about everything from India’s young talents to the changing face of chess. He praised the depth of Indian players, pointing out stars like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and even younger prospects who will soon dominate. “It’s going to be hard to compete with Indian chess,” he said plainly. Caruana highlighted how these players are not just strong but diverse in style. Gukesh stands out as a fierce fighter with a classical approach that keeps opponents guessing.
What Makes India So Unstoppable?
Fabiano Caruana credits the sheer numbers and talent pipeline. From Gukesh’s recent successes to Pragg’s consistency, the country now boasts multiple players at the elite level. He noted their equal strength in results, with Gukesh leading the pack. This isn’t hype; it’s reality. Even as world No. 3 with a rating over 2800, Caruana feels the pressure. He also touched on Magnus Carlsen’s recent critique of Gukesh D, offering a balanced take without picking sides. Chess has evolved massively since his early days, thanks to better information and training.
Caruana didn’t shy away from the rivalry either. Top players can’t truly be friends when competing, he explained, as the stakes are too high. Yet, he enjoyed Mumbai’s hospitality during the Global Chess League, even raving about the food. This mix of respect and realism shows why Caruana remains a voice to watch. India’s fan culture adds extra fire, turning matches into spectacles.
For Indian chess fans, these words are pure gold. Gukesh, the reigning champion, has proven his mettle, but Caruana warns that the future holds even tougher battles. With fresh faces rising fast, the global chess scene looks set for epic clashes. Verstappen-style dominance? Not yet, but India’s “Papaya army” equivalent is closing in.
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As 2025 wraps up, Caruana’s honesty spotlights India’s golden era. Will they sweep the next Candidates or World Championship? Only the board will tell. Stay tuned, chess just got more exciting.
Also read: GCL 2025: Alpine SG Pipers Defeat Two Time Champions To Win Title
