Samson Compares Cricket Icons to Tennis Legends: Dhoni as Federer, Kohli as Alcaraz

In a recent interview, Sanju Samson drew intriguing comparisons between cricket legends and tennis stars, labeling MS Dhoni as the 'Roger Federer of cricket' and Virat Kohli as 'Carlos Alcaraz.' He also reflected on the inspiring impact of India's Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 victory, which has set high standards for the men's team. Additionally, Samson's remarkable performance in the T20 World Cup, where he became the highest run-scorer for India in a single edition, further highlights his growing stature in the sport. Discover more about his insights and achievements in this engaging article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 23:34 IST

Samson's Unique Comparisons

Sanju Samson, the prominent wicketkeeper-batter from India, has drawn parallels between cricket legends and tennis stars. He referred to former Indian captain MS Dhoni as the 'Roger Federer of cricket,' praising Dhoni's calm demeanor and his ability to deliver impactful performances effortlessly. In contrast, he likened Carlos Alcaraz to Virat Kohli, emphasizing their aggressive playing styles and intensity. Samson remarked, 'MS Dhoni embodies the essence of Federer with his composed approach. His performances seem effortless yet carry immense power. On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz is explosive, much like the early days of Virat Kohli. Kohli's aggressive nature and explosive gameplay resonate with Alcaraz's style,' during an interview on JioStar.

Inspiration from Women's World Cup Victory

Samson hailed India's triumph in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 as a pivotal moment that galvanized the entire cricket community. He noted that this victory was a testament to years of dedication and hard work, inspiring the men's team to aspire for similar success. 'We were all captivated by the final match. My family and I were glued to the screen. It was a moment we had long awaited, knowing we had the potential to win the World Cup. The women's success has set high expectations for us, motivating Indian cricketers to strive for World Cup glory on home turf,' he expressed.

Samson's Stellar Tournament Performance

In the tournament, Samson showcased his exceptional skills, scoring 321 runs across five innings with an impressive average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37. He hit 27 fours and 24 sixes, finishing as the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup. Notably, he surpassed Virat Kohli's record of 319 runs from the 2014 T20 World Cup, achieving the highest runs by an Indian in a single T20 World Cup edition.

India's T20 World Cup Achievements

With this victory, India became the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, achieving consecutive titles after their 2024 win, and marking their third trophy overall (2007, 2024, and 2026).