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Xtra Time Web Desk: The youngest world champion D Gukesh has shared how India legend MS Dhoni influences him to handle pressure. 

From being a fan of the World Cup-winning former India captain to drawing life lessons from the Chennai Super Kings legend, Gukesh has come a long way. While speaking at an interaction with Chennai Super Kings from the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Gukesh spoke about the impact MS Dhoni made on him and his game.

As he stated, "MS Dhoni is one sportsperson I really admire. To this day, he is the one. How he doesn't react to anything that happens. How he is able to calmly think in any situation. In the highest-pressure moments, he is able to think with a clear mind. I grew up watching that. It felt like I had to emulate it in my own craft."

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"In that sense, he really inspired me. I don't react to things much. I am good at handling pressure. In that way, he has really helped me in my career. Not only as an inspiration but in my game as well," he added.

"When there is a high-pressure moment, I tend to think about how Dhoni handled so much pressure in a particular situation. Those things have really helped me calm down."

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"Dhoni, I think, said in an interview: 'Keep doing the simple things, keep the mind clear when the situation is very difficult.' When facing tough situations in chess, I try to create that same calmness within myself."

"Having seen Dhoni so many times, it has impacted me," he added.

"For any Indian, the final six in the 2011 World Cup final-that moment is always in my mind. Nothing can compete with that," he said.

Gukesh's admiration for Dhoni makes it a larger than life moment. It is indeed satisfying witnessing how youngsters accross sports are taking inspiration and taking India to glory.