he chessboard may be silent, but the war of words is heating up. Fabiano Caruana, currently ranked World No. 3, has stirred the global chess community by throwing shade at D Gukesh, India’s 19-year-old world champion, and other rising Indian stars.

These Indian players are very strong… but I don’t find them scary yet. Whatsoever!” Caruana declared on the latest episode of his C-Squared podcast, shortly after the conclusion of Norway Chess 2025.

The timing of Caruana’s remarks is telling. Gukesh recently became the youngest undisputed world chess champion, a feat that captivated fans worldwide and further cemented India’s growing dominance in the sport. Yet Caruana seemed unimpressed.

When I play Arjun or Gukesh,” he said, referencing Arjun Erigaisi, “I feel I can significantly outplay them and get a lot of winning chances. I don’t think they can do the same to me.

The comments came as a surprise to many, especially given the strong performances by Indian Grandmasters on the international stage. Gukesh, already a household name in India, has climbed the ranks with poise, composure, and strategic brilliance far beyond his years.

Fans on social media were quick to respond. Some accused Caruana of underestimating the new generation, while others praised his confidence as the kind of fire needed in competitive chess.

It’s bold for someone who hasn’t won the world title to downplay a reigning champion,” tweeted one user, tagging both Caruana and Gukesh.

Caruana did clarify that he respects the immense talent coming out of India. He called their development “rapid and impressive,” but reiterated that experience and psychological edge still rest with the seasoned elite.

His podcast partner suggested the comments might be more psychological than analytical—an effort to shake the confidence of players who are threatening to reshape the elite hierarchy.

It’s worth noting that Caruana himself was once hailed as a teenage prodigy, earning comparisons to Bobby Fischer and nearly clinching the world title in 2018 against Magnus Carlsen.

Now, facing a wave of young talent from India, he seems determined not to concede ground.

Meanwhile, Gukesh has kept his cool. As of this writing, the young champion has not responded publicly, choosing instead to focus on his preparation for the FIDE Grand Swiss later this year.

Whether Caruana’s words were strategic banter or sincere analysis, one thing is clear: the chess world is witnessing a generational clash, and the next few tournaments will offer the perfect arena for this rivalry to play out on the 64 squares.