The next move for Pragg, Gukesh: Viswanathan Anand believes fatigue, physical fitness and consistency are the challenges awaiting India’s prodigies
Viswanathan Anand has no qualms in admitting he mis-calculated. Just three years ago, in December 2020, when he had started the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), he remembers thinking that the players he had taken under his wings — Praggnanandhaa, D Gukesh and Nihal Sarin — would need five or six years to enter the elite club of 2700-rated players. It’s an elusive club in the sport, with current membership of 35 people.
Gukesh reached the fabled mark in July last year within two years of Anand’s prediction. Pragg followed in July this year. Arjun Erigaisi is also a part of the club, with Nihal just six points away.
“The reason I say this is a golden generation is because all of these guys are still teenagers — with the exception of Arjun, who became 20 two days ago — which means, v...