While the tennis world prepares for another kind of WimbledonIndia wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson drew interesting parallels between some of the great cricketers and today’s tennis greats, reflecting on India’s recent World Cup success and Australia’s struggles.Speaking in front of the chief of the grass court, Samson was asked which cricketer is the same as the tennis legend. Roger Federer. The Kerala batsmen immediately pointed the finger at former Indian captain MS Dhoni, citing the elegance and composure that define all great sportsmen.“Roger Federer of cricket? He has to be MS Dhoni. He is very calm and composed in the way he goes about his business. When he is doing it, he looks weak but very strong,” Samson told JioStar.Samson also saw the similarity Virat Kohli and Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, showing the aggressiveness and power of their game.“Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, is very explosive, similar to how Virat bhai started. Maybe Virat Kohli can be compared to Alcaraz. He is very dangerous and full of energy and explosion.”India’s batsmen looked back at a pivotal moment in Indian cricket as the women’s team lifted their maiden ODI World Cup before the men’s team won the T20 World Cup at home months later.“We were all watching the final. My family and everyone else just watched on TV. It was a special moment for all of us in the country. We were waiting for a long time,” said Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament.“We knew we could win the World Cup, but when we were so close, we were so far away. I was very happy for all the players in the team. There was a lot of hard work behind it and a lot of big stories within the team. It was a proud moment for all of us.“I think the standards were set very high for us. They won the World Cup and put us on a stage where we felt we could do the same in India. It was a great time that all the World Cups were held in India and we won them. So, yes, that success played a role.”With the Indian women’s team competing in the T20 World Cup in England and preparing to take on Australia in the six-match series, Samson acknowledged the legacy of the Australian team as he observed how India had changed over the years.“A lot of respect goes to the Australian team. I think the reason we respect them so much is because they were the dominant country in cricket when we were growing up.“Every World Cup seemed to be won by Australia. But now, I think the positions have changed. We are professionals, and we play and compete with the same mentality. So, yes, there is great respect for them as opponents”.Former Indian tennis player Rohan Bopanna he also tackled Wimbledon, naming defending champion Jannik Sinner the favorite for the men’s singles crown and Elena Rybakina the favorite for the women’s title.“That’s a very difficult question; the field is very open. But I have to go with the defending champion Jannik Sinner in the men’s race. Among the women, I would choose Elena Rybakina,” he said.Bopanna also spoke about the special place Wimbledon holds in his career and memories.“Wimbledon is a magical dream because I grew up watching it. At home, we used to watch Wimbledon. In fact, TV only broadcasts Wimbledon.“So, to go there not only to attend but also to play on those courts was amazing. I also played in the era of three of the greatest tennis players of our generation, Roger Federer. Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokoviche was competing.“Sharing locker rooms and just being there was better than a dream, really.”
