Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin shared a picture with Indian Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand.
He posted the picture on his Instagram with the caption: “A fanboy moment and a flight journey to savour forever with the legendary @vishy.mindmaster”.
Vishwanathan Anand is a former five-time World Chess champion and has won the Chess World Championship twice, which is also a record. He’s the first Grandmaster from India. He achieved this feat back in 1988.
The off-spinner is also a chess enthusiast. He has been spotted playing chess on a flight during the IPL with one of his Rajasthan Royals teammates.
Ashwin owns a team in Global Chess League
The 38-year-old became a co-owner of a team in the Global Chess League in July 2024. Ashwin, along with World number 2 Grand Master Hikaru Nakamura, co-owns the American Gambits team in the league.
Viswanathan Anand also congratulated him after this. He wrote on his “X” (formerly Twitter), “Congratulations @ashwinravi99 (Ravichandran Ashwin) on your exciting new venture into the world of chess! As someone who has bowled out the best in cricket, I’m sure you’ll bring the same competitive spirit to the Global Chess League with the American Gambits. May your rooks and bishops be as unstoppable as your off-spinners! Best of Luck in London”.
Ashwin is gearing up for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia. The first test of the series will start from 22nd November 2024 at the Optus Stadium in Perth. He will be a key player for India in the series.
Ashwin has picked up 536 wickets in 105 test matches. He’s the second-highest wicket-taker for India in tests after Anil Kumble. He’s also the highest wicket-taker of the World Test Championship. With 189 wickets in 39 matches.
The last series against New Zealand was a forgettable one for Ashwin and team India. They’ll be itching to do well in the upcoming series against Australia.
