India have made a shaky at the Chess Olympiad, winning three of their opening matches with two major scares.
For the reigning D. Gukesh, however, the focus has been on what is best for the team, even if that means taking a step back.
After India’s Round 3 win over Italy, Gukesh told FIDE that he was, who suggested R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi the top board in his place, considering their strong form this year.
The 20 year old, who has two wins and a draw from his opening three games at the Olympiad, was also asked about how the World Champion playing on Board 4 has been viewed.
“It’s pretty clear that Pragg and Arjun have been in really good shape; the rating also says the same. It was my idea, and the whole team also thought the same,” said Gukesh.
“This is the board order that gives us the best chance of winning the tournament. And the look of the world champion on Board 4, If the team needs it, I would even rest all the game,” he added with a smile.
Gukesh looking to bounce back
Gukesh has had a difficult run of form since his world championship win nearly two years go. He has struggled at several major tournaments and his FIDE rating has dropped from a peak of 2794 to below 2700 after his second round draw at the 2026 Chess Olympiad.
At the 2026 Tata Steel Masters, he finished 10th with 6.5 points from 13 games. He then finished joint-last at the Prague Chess Festival Masters with 3.5 points from nine games. At Norway Chess, Gukesh finished last after five losses and one win. He also ended the Chennai Grand Masters at the bottom of the standings with two points from seven games without a win.
His teammates, meanwhile, have enjoyed strong results this year. Praggnanandhaa won the Norway Chess title and became the first Indian player to win both Norway Chess and the 2026 Grand Chess Tour.
Arjun Erigaisi also had a strong year, finishing runner-up at the TePe Sigeman & Co Chess Tournament and beating Magnus Carlsen at the World Rapid Team Championship.
Gukesh will now look to put his recent results behind him and contribute to India’s campaign.
India’s campign so far
India’s open team has won all three of its matches so far and has 6 match points at the 2026 Chess Olympiad.
In Round 1, India defeated Thailand 3-1. Arjun suffered a surprise defeat, but Gukesh, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi won their respective games.
India then beat Indonesia 2.5-1.5 in Round 2, with Nihal securing the crucial win that sealed the match.
In Round 3, India defeated Italy 3-1. Gukesh returned to winning ways, while Nihal also won. Praggnanandhaa and Arjun drew their games.
The Indian women’s team has also won all three of its opening matches and has 6 points.
India began with a 4-0 win over the Dominican Republic, with Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Vantika Agrawal and B Savitha Shri all winning their games.
They then defeated Finland 3.5-0.5 in Round 2, with Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and B Savitha Shri securing wins. In Round 3, India beat Greece 3.5-0.5 to continue their unbeaten run.