Anand advises Gukesh to take cues from Praggnanandhaa ahead of world title defence: 'Seems to be stuck a bit'

Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has offered key guidance to chess grandmaster D Gukesh before he defends the world chess title.

Gukesh has had mixed fortune in 2026 and has struggled to perform in recent competitions, especially in classical play after finishing sixth at Norway Chess 2026. The Indian GM desperately needs a turnaround at this stage.

Anand hails Praggnanandhaa

Speaking to PTI, Anand analysed Praggnanandhaa's approach, pointing out that he has remained consistent with his fighting spirit and creative ideas, even when the results are not in his favour.

He further noted that Pragg’s remarkable turnaround in the final rounds at Norway Chess was when he played impressive chess.

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“Actually, it’s the same Pragg in the last one and half years. Sometimes he plays hard and comes out with interesting concepts, and he is always ready for a fight. The results might not always work out.

“In fact, after the first six rounds, you can't see much difference from the last 8 or 9 months (as in how Praggnanandhaa plays). But then there was this great turnaround, and that was really nice to see because he played very interesting chess,” Anand said.

'Gukesh can take inspiration from Pragg'

Anang suggested Gukesh take inspiration from the newly crowned Norway Chess champion Praggnanandhaa's persistence and hard work, pointing out that consistent effort eventually leads to success and his improvement in form.

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“At this moment, Praggnanandhaa is playing better than Gukesh, but anything can change. I think there will be form swings repeatedly. Gukesh seems to be stuck a bit. I think he can take inspiration from Pragg. He can see that if you persist with hard work, then at some point things will change,” Anand added.

Gukesh will face off against Sindarov for the World Chess Championship. The Uzbek GM earned the opportunity to challenge him after winning the 2026 Candidates tournament. Both GMs will face off against each other later in the year.