Vidit Gujrathi interview: ‘Indian team used to playing in high-stakes situations (like at Chess Olympiad)’

Despite their position as the second seeds in the tournament behind USA, many have put the Indian chess team at par with USA, if not ahead, going into the Olympiad, which is one of the most prestigious team events in the sport.

India captain Srinath Narayanan had even gone on to say that the crack team of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna was the “strongest team India has ever sent to an Olympiad”.

Chess Olympiad: D Gukesh (right) talks to Indian team captain Srinath Narayanan after a game at the Olympiad in Budapest. (PHOTO: FIDE via Maria Emelianova)

Ahead of the Chess Olympiad, Vidit Gujrathi answered a few questions from The Indian Express. Excerpts from an interview:

Can you talk about the Olympiad and Indian team’s chances? India heads to the Olympiad as one of the favourites, with the second highest average rating. Does that add pressure on the Indian team?

Vidit Gujrathi: Being one of the favorites, I am definitely aware of the expectations that fans have (from the Indian chess team). But when it comes to the players, everyone is used to playing in high-stakes situations, so I don’t think we are taking any unnecessary pressure just yet. Probably towards the end of the tournament, it will increase and at that point it would be all about nerves.

Does your training vary when you are preparing for a team event like the Olympiad compared to an individual event?

Vidit Gujrathi: Yes, training does vary as you keep in mind your role as a player in the team. For example, some players need to play more solidly and hold the fort, whereas some players’ job is to take more risks and try to strike. Knowing your position, you try to tune your game, your chess openings accordingly.

Has the team had a chance to train together before the Chess Olympiad? Or talk tactics?

Vidit Gujrathi: We didn’t get a chance to train together, but we did meet virtually on a call and discussed the game plan. ⁠My good friend, GM Srinath Narayanan is going to coach the team. He was also the coach when we won the silver in Asian Games and we all have a great relation with him.

Which team do you feel will be India’s strongest rivals?

Vidit Gujrathi: USA, China are going to be the toughest to beat. Having said that, there are also other teams which are generally quite strong in this format. For example, the Uzbeks can always be a surprise.