Gukesh Dommaraju Faces Criticism Amid World Chess Championship Reign

Gukesh Dommaraju's reign as World Chess Champion has been fraught with challenges, drawing criticism from chess legends like Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov. While some question his legitimacy, others, including Sandeep Singhal, believe in his potential for greatness. With a strong support system, including his parents and mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton, Gukesh remains focused on overcoming the pressures of his title. Discover how he plans to navigate this turbulent phase in his chess career.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 21, 2026, 23:05 IST

Gukesh's Challenging Championship Journey

Gukesh Dommaraju's tenure as World Chess Champion has been marked by significant challenges, with his recent performances raising eyebrows. Esteemed chess figures have voiced doubts regarding his legitimacy as champion. Notably, Russian Grandmasters Garry Kasparov and Anatoly Karpov have been vocal in their critiques. Karpov, in particular, was harsh, stating, "Gukesh became world champion by chance, as he was not expected to defeat Ding Liren... Officially, it’s Gukesh, but since Carlsen stepped back, he could reclaim the title if he chose to." He further asserted, "It’s evident that Magnus remains the strongest, and Gukesh still needs to demonstrate his dominance over his peers."

Karpov's sentiments were echoed by Kasparov, who noted, "Gukesh's victory was legitimate, yet it’s difficult to label him the strongest player globally. I don’t intend to offend, but Magnus has transformed the landscape of classical world champions. It’s clear that Magnus is still the strongest, and Gukesh has yet to establish his superiority over others." Meanwhile, Sandeep Singhal, co-founder of WestBridge Capital, shared his perspective on Gukesh in a recent interview with ChessBase India, asserting that a single tournament or year does not define a player of his caliber. He emphasized, "He’s destined for greatness."

The pressing question remains: does Gukesh possess the confidence, mindset, and mental resilience to shift the tide in his favor? Currently, he draws strength from his parents and former Indian cricket team's mental conditioning coach, Paddy Upton, who form a crucial support network. Gukesh remarked a few weeks ago, "My parents are my significant support system. Working with Paddy is invaluable; he’s always there when I need guidance. Especially during challenging tournaments, our discussions provide clarity. Having individuals who comprehend the mental aspects of a sportsperson's journey is incredibly beneficial." Thus, it appears that he remains composed and determined not to succumb to the mounting pressure.