India’s T20I opener Sanju Samson has tipped legendary MS Dhoni as the Roger Federer of cricket. Dhoni was known for his astute leadership and his calm demeanor on the field. The former skipper led India to glory in the T20 2007 World Cup, the 2011 ODI World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy.
Dhoni hasn’t yet announced his retirement from the IPL despite not playing a single game in IPL 2026. He called time on his International career back in August 2020 and his last appearance in the Indian colors was the semifinal loss against New Zealand in the 2019 ODI World Cup.
“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,” Samson said.
Meanwhile, Roger Federer is regarded as one of the most successful players of all time, winning 20 Slams in his glorious career. The Swiss Maestro announced his retirement from the tour after playing in the Laver Cup in 2022.
On the other hand, Samson likened Carlos Alcaraz to Virat Kohli. Samson said the Spaniard is aggressive like Kohli and likes to take the opponent by its horns. Kohli recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan due to a hamstring injury, which he suffered in the IPL final against Gujarat Titans.
“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,” he said.
Alcaraz is currently out of action due to a wrist injury, and he is all set to miss Wimbledon after recently missing Roland Garros.
Meanwhile, Samson also recalled India’s women’s ODI World Cup triumph in 2025. The Kerala batter said he and his family were glued to the TV screen for the summit clash against South Africa.
“We were all watching the final. My family members and everyone else were glued to the TV. It was a special moment for all of us in the country. We had been waiting for it for a long time,” Samson said.
Samson will be seen in action in the two-match T20I series against Ireland.
