India, Sept. 19 -- Reigning world champion D Gukesh said that it was his idea to play on Board 4 in the ongoing FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Individual gold medallist on the top board for two Olympiads in a row, the 20-year-old, has been struggling with his form in recent times.

"It's pretty clear that Pragg and Arjun have been in pretty great shape," he said, "The ratings say the same. It was my idea and the whole team too thought the same.that this order gives us the best chance of winning the tournament."

On the talk about it not being a good look to have the world champion playing on Board 4, he said. "If the team needs it, I would rest all the games. No player is bigger than the country. I'm just happy to do whatever it takes...