By Reshma Pasupuleti 
In Round 2 of the Chess Olympiad, Arjun Erigaisi made headlines with his unconventional strategies, earning him the title of the ‘Mad Man of the Chess Board’ from Magnus Carlsen. Erigaisi’s aggressive play style was on full display as he faced grandmaster Hannes Stefansson, causing a stir with his chaotic pawn structure.
Erigaisi’s tactics involved an early attack on Stefansson’s king, leading to a significant advantage by the 16th move. Despite sacrificing two knights, his daring play resulted in a decisive victory, contributing to India’s 4-0 win over Iceland. The team also saw victories from Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna, with Praggnanandhaa resting in this round.
Vantika Agrawal also shone brightly, overcoming severe time pressure to defeat women’s grandmaster Teresa Rodshtein. Her crucial win, alongside victories from Divya Deshmukh and Harika Dronavalli, secured a 3.5-0.5 win for the top-seeded Indian women’s team against the Czech Republic.
Arjun Erigaisi’s bold approach was evident in the first round as well, where he sacrificed a bishop to capture a pawn, a move that left spectators and opponents astonished. This calculated risk paid off, demonstrating his unique play style and earning praise from fellow chess professionals.
Hikaru Nakamura, the top-ranked American chess player, had previously highlighted India’s formidable team, noting that Erigaisi’s position on the third board adds to the team’s strength. His prediction proved accurate as India continues to impress in the ongoing tournament.
As the Chess Olympiad progresses, the Indian team’s blend of strategic brilliance and fearless play promises an exciting competition ahead.