Sanju Samson’s Take: Why Dhoni is Cricket’s Federer and Kohli is Like Alcaraz

Ahead of Wimbledon 2026, the Indian star draws parallels between tennis legends and the iconic figures of Indian cricket.

As the grass courts of Wimbledon prepare for another fortnight of intense rallies and quiet elegance, the conversation in Indian sports circles has shifted toward an unlikely crossover. Sanju Samson, the man who recently dominated the T20 World Cup with three consecutive half-centuries, has stepped out of the crease and onto the court—at least in spirit. Speaking on JioStar alongside tennis veteran Rohan Bopanna, Samson offered a fascinating taxonomy of cricketing greatness, framing his peers through the lens of tennis royalty.

The Federer and Alcaraz Parallels

For Samson, the comparison was instantaneous when asked to identify the Roger Federer of cricket. He pointed directly to MS Dhoni, citing the legendary wicketkeeper’s unflappable demeanor. "He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business," Samson noted, highlighting that like Federer, Dhoni’s game often appears effortless, yet carries immense, understated power.

If Dhoni is the symbol of composure, Virat Kohli represents the modern, high-octane evolution of the sport. Samson likened the former India captain to Carlos Alcaraz, the young Spanish phenom defined by raw intensity. According to Samson, the comparison is rooted in the early stages of Kohli’s career—an aggressive, explosive brand of cricket that mirrors the relentless drive Alcaraz brings to every point. It’s a dynamic contrast: the composed master versus the relentless challenger.

A Legacy Built on Shared Success

This reflection on sporting archetypes comes at a moment when Indian cricket is basking in a rare glow of dual success. Samson didn’t just talk about legends; he spoke about the momentum created by the women’s team during their maiden ODI World Cup triumph in 2025. For the men’s squad, that victory wasn't just a distant spectacle on television; it was a benchmark.

"They won the World Cup and put us on a stage where we felt that we could do the same in India," Samson explained. That sense of collective capability clearly resonated, as the men’s team mirrored the achievement by lifting the T20 trophy on home soil shortly after. For players like Samson, who found his own rhythm during that tournament, the women’s success served as a powerful catalyst.

The Bigger Picture: Why It Matters

This cross-pollination of sporting narratives—where cricketers find inspiration in the discipline of tennis legends—speaks to a maturing Indian sports culture. It suggests that our athletes no longer operate in a vacuum; they are students of global excellence, drawing tactical and psychological cues from the giants of other games. When Samson talks about Federer's calm or Alcaraz's explosion, he is revealing the internal vocabulary of a top-tier athlete trying to define the fine line between skill and aura. As Wimbledon 2026 kicks off, these comparisons offer fans a new way to appreciate the grit required to remain at the top of the world.