MS Dhoni is cricket's Roger Federer, Virat Kohli mirrors Carlos Alcaraz: Sanju Samson

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has drawn striking parallels between cricket and tennis legends, comparing former India captain MS Dhoni to Roger Federer and Virat Kohli to Carlos Alcaraz. Speaking ahead of Wimbledon 2026, Samson highlighted how Dhoni's calm, composed approach and tactical brilliance mirror Federer's precision and sustained dominance, while Kohli's explosive intensity and aggressive style reflect Alcaraz's high-energy, relentless match play.

Dhoni, who led India to victory in the 2007 T20 World Cup, 2011 ODI World Cup and 2013 Champions Trophy, is renowned for his composed finishing and sharp tactical clarity under pressure. Kohli, with 85 international centuries across formats, embodies the aggressive intensity that has defined Alcaraz's recent dominance in Grand Slam competitions. "The Roger Federer of cricket has to be MS Dhoni. He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business. When he performs, it looks effortless yet very powerful," Samson told JioStar. "Carlos Alcaraz is very explosive, much like how Virat Bhai started. Virat Kohli can be compared to Alcaraz. He is very aggressive and full of power and explosiveness."

The comparisons come as Alcaraz, a two-time Wimbledon champion, faces a significant absence from the 2026 tournament due to fitness concerns. Alcaraz won the Wimbledon title in 2023 and successfully defended his crown in 2024, cementing his status as a complete all-court player. However, in 2025 he fell short against Jannik Sinner, and injury will now keep him sidelined from the grass-court major. With Alcaraz's absence, Sinner is expected to emerge as the top favourite for the 2026 title, while Alexander Zverev and Novak Djokovic remain major contenders.

Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's recent World Cup victory, also reflected on how the women's team's maiden ODI World Cup triumph inspired the men's side. The Indian women's team won the ODI World Cup followed by the men winning the T20 World Cup on home soil within months. Samson expressed respect for Australia as an opponent, acknowledging their historical dominance but noting that the competitive landscape has shifted with India now emerging as champions.