Sanju Samson Compares Cricket Icons to Tennis Legends

In a recent interview, Sanju Samson made intriguing comparisons between cricket legends and tennis stars, likening MS Dhoni to Roger Federer and Carlos Alcaraz to Virat Kohli. He also reflected on the inspiring impact of the Indian women's cricket team's World Cup victory, which has raised expectations for the men's team. Samson's impressive performance in the T20 World Cup further solidified his status, as he became the highest run-scorer for India in a single edition. Discover more about his insights and the significance of these achievements in the full article.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 22, 2026, 23:36 IST

Samson's Unique Comparisons

In a recent discussion, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson drew intriguing parallels between cricket legends and tennis stars. He referred to former Indian captain MS Dhoni as the 'Roger Federer of cricket,' praising his serene demeanor and impactful performances that seem effortless yet powerful.

Samson also compared tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz to Virat Kohli, emphasizing their shared intensity and explosive playing styles. 'MS Dhoni embodies the calmness and composure akin to Federer. When he plays, it appears effortless yet carries immense strength. In contrast, Carlos Alcaraz is explosive, much like how Virat Bhai began his career. Kohli's aggressive and powerful approach mirrors Alcaraz's style,' Samson remarked during an interview on JioStar.

Impact of Women's Cricket Success

Samson highlighted the significance of India's ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 victory, calling it a pivotal moment that inspired the entire cricket community. He noted that this triumph was a testament to years of dedication and hard work, instilling confidence in the men's team to replicate such success.

He expressed that the women's achievement raised expectations and motivated Indian cricketers to strive for World Cup success on home turf. 'We were all glued to the TV during the final. It was a moment we had long awaited. We knew we had the potential to win the World Cup, and while we were close, it felt distant. I was thrilled for the players; their hard work and the incredible stories within the squad made it a proud moment for us all. Their victory set a high standard, showing us that we could achieve the same in India,' he added.

Samson's Stellar Performance

During the tournament, Samson scored 321 runs across five innings, boasting an impressive average of 80.25 and a strike rate of 199.37, with 27 fours and 24 sixes. He finished as the third-highest run-scorer in the T20 World Cup.

Additionally, he surpassed Virat Kohli's record of 319 runs from the 2014 T20 World Cup, becoming the Indian with the most runs in a single T20 World Cup edition. This victory marked India as the first team to win the T20 World Cup on home soil, the first to secure consecutive titles after their 2024 win, and the first to lift the trophy three times (2007, 2024, and 2026).