World Champion D. Gukesh has withdrawn from the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament in Kolkata, scheduled for January 7-11, citing personal reasons. Nihal Sarin has been named as his replacement. Organisers expressed that Gukesh's absence is a significant setback, as many fans and players were eager to see him compete as the reigning world champion for the first time in the city. The tournament will still feature prominent players like Viswanathan Anand and R. Praggnanandhaa.