Before the 2026 Wimbledon Championships, Sanju Samson, the Indian wicket-keeper batsman, started a controversy across sports by drawing comparisons between Virat Kohli and Carlos Alcaraz, as well as MS Dhoni and Roger Federer. The comments were made in an interview on JioStar along with former Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna while talking about tennis legends and cricket legends.
Samson compared Kohli with Alcaraz due to their explosive style of playing. This is in addition to the fact that both of them play in a very aggressive manner. There are many achievements to be proud of in Kohli’s cricket career. He has scored over 28,000 international runs and more than 54 ODI centuries, making him one of the best batters ever. As a captain, he changed India's attitude towards fitness and took India to no.1 ranking in Tests.
He noted that "Carlos Alcaraz 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."
The former India captain built a reputation as one of cricket’s finest chasers and most driven competitors. His aggressive approach often lifted teammates, although it also led to several high-profile on-field confrontations during his career.
Why Sanju Samson Sees MS Dhoni as Cricket’s Roger Federer
Samson likened Dhoni to Federer in the world of cricket, praising the calmness and grace he said, "The Roger Federer of cricket? It 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."
This comparison is grounded in both their remarkable achievements and distinctive styles. Dhoni amassed an impressive 17,266 international runs and is the only captain to have clinched all three major ICC white-ball trophies: the 2007 T20 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. His ODI average during successful run chases is a staggering 102.71, showcasing his exceptional finishing skills.
As a captain, Dhoni earned a reputation for his thoughtful decision-making and sharp tactical instincts, whether it was supporting young talent or making daring choices in crucial finals. He also led India to its first-ever No. 1 Test ranking. With the Chennai Super Kings, he created one of the most successful franchises in the IPL, steering the team to five IPL titles and two Champions League T20 victories. His leadership transformed CSK into a benchmark of consistency and longevity. Just as Federer exudes composure on the tennis court, Dhoni’s impact was marked by control, clarity, and sustained excellence at the pinnacle of the sport.
