As the anticipation builds for Wimbledon 2026, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson has offered a unique perspective by comparing two of cricket’s greatest figures to the icons of the tennis world.
Speaking with JioStar ahead of the grass-court Grand Slam, Samson was asked to identify the tennis equivalents of cricket’s biggest stars, highlighting two distinct archetypes of sporting excellence.
Samson believes that former India captain MS Dhoni embodies the same qualities that made Roger Federer one of the most revered athletes in history.
The Elegance of Dhoni and Federer
“The Roger Federer of cricket? It has to be MS Dhoni,” Samson stated on JioStar.
For Samson, this comparison transcends mere statistics. He noted that the similarity lies in their shared ability to maintain composure under immense pressure.
“He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business. When he performs, it looks effortless yet very powerful,” Samson explained.
The parallel is evident in their styles: Federer was celebrated for his grace and the ease with which he executed complex shots, while Dhoni’s clinical finishing and strategic captaincy often made the most stressful match situations seem routine. Both athletes became synonymous with a sense of serenity, remaining unfazed while others relied on raw intensity.
Kohli and Alcaraz: The Power of Aggression
While Dhoni represents the effortless grace of Federer, Samson views Virat Kohli as the cricketing equivalent of Carlos Alcaraz, the explosive Spanish sensation.
“Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is very explosive, much like how Virat Bhai started. Maybe Virat Kohli can be compared to Alcaraz. He is very aggressive and full of power and explosiveness,” Samson remarked.
Unlike the calm aura of Federer, Alcaraz’s game is defined by relentless energy and athleticism—traits that have mirrored Kohli’s career. From his early days as a fiery young talent to his emergence as a modern-day great, Kohli’s approach has been characterized by visible emotion and an insatiable competitive drive.
The comparison also hints at a generational transition. Just as Alcaraz is seen as the torchbearer for the next era of tennis, Kohli became the defining figure of Indian cricket following the era led by MS Dhoni.
Bopanna Predicts Wimbledon 2026 Outcomes
Joining the discussion, former Indian tennis star Rohan Bopanna shared his own predictions for the upcoming tournament.
“It’s such a tough question; the field is so open. But I have to go with defending champion Jannik Sinner for the men’s tournament. Among women, I would pick Elena Rybakina,” Bopanna said.
Bopanna also reminisced about the tournament’s significance during his youth, describing Wimbledon as a “magical dream.” He recalled how the tournament was the primary tennis broadcast available in India, and noted that competing during the golden era of Federer, Nadal, and Djokovic made his own experience even more special.
Celebrating India’s Women’s World Cup Victory
The Rajasthan Royals captain also touched upon India’s historic triumph in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, calling it an inspiration for the entire sporting community.
“We were all watching the final. My family members and everyone else were glued to the TV,” Samson recalled, adding that the victory has set a high standard for Indian cricket and proved the nation’s ability to consistently compete for global titles.
With the tennis world turning its attention to Wimbledon, Samson’s comparisons have sparked a spirited debate among fans, providing a fresh lens through which to view greatness across two different sports.
