‘Have rare quality’: MS Dhoni compared to tennis legend Novak Djokovic by World Cup-winning cricketer

‘Have rare quality’: MS Dhoni compared to tennis legend Novak Djokovic by World Cup-winning cricketer originally appeared on Cricket News.
Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Deepti Sharma compared MS Dhoni to tennis legend Novak Djokovic during a visit to Wimbledon.
• She praised the rare quality both share of staying calm under the most intense pressure.
• The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup winner named Djokovic her favorite player over Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

MS Dhoni compared to tennis legend Novak Djokovic

A trip to the hallowed lawns of Wimbledon offered one of India’s finest cricketers a chance to reflect on what makes sporting greatness. Watching tennis at the iconic venue for the first time, star all-rounder Deepti Sharma found herself drawing a fascinating cross-sport parallel.

The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup winner, a self-confessed admirer of Novak Djokovic, saw striking similarities between the tennis great and Indian cricket’s ultimate icon of composure, MS Dhoni. In her eyes, both are bound by a priceless mental quality that separates the elite from the rest.

For Deepti, the visit was also the realization of a long-held dream. Having watched the tournament on television for years, she was captivated by finally soaking in its unique atmosphere live, an experience that clearly sparked reflection on her own sport.

MORE: Is Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the ‘Pele’ of cricket? The 15-year-old sensation defying logic and battering reputations in stunning IPL season

Dhoni and Djokovic share rare quality

Deepti explained exactly why the two champions reminded her of one another. “When you talk about Djokovic, everyone speaks about his mental strength. He is someone who never gives up, no matter how tough the situation is,” she told Jio Hotstar, before turning to the Indian legend.

She then compared him directly to the former India captain. “In cricket, I think MS Dhoni sir is very similar. He is known for being very cool and calm. Whenever pressure situations come, he handles them really well. It never looks like he is in a difficult situation,” Deepti said.

Deepti Sharma at Wimbledon, talking about the similarities between her Idol MS Dhoni and Novak Djokovic. ❤️@msdhoni#MSDhonipic.twitter.com/6ar2eDZrXr

— DHONI Trends™ (@TrendsDhoni) July 3, 2026

It was her summary that gave the headline its punch. “Both Djokovic and Dhoni have that rare quality of staying calm and strong when it matters the most. Watching them, we learn how to stay calm and find a way out of tough situations,” she added of her two idols.

Her admiration for the Serbian runs deep. “My favourite is Djokovic. I follow his game very closely,” she said, revealing that although she grew up watching Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has since become the player she follows above all others.

MORE: IPL 2026 awards list: Full list of Orange Cap, Purple Cap, MVP, Best Catch and all individual award winners

A comparison that rings true

The parallel Deepti draws is a strikingly astute one. Both Djokovic and Dhoni built their legends not merely on talent but on an almost supernatural ability to slow down the biggest moments, thriving under pressure that would overwhelm lesser competitors in any sport.

There is a neat symmetry to it as well. A World Cup winner herself, forged in her own high-pressure moments, Deepti is perhaps uniquely placed to recognize that rare temperament, having drawn on the very same quality on the grandest stages.

To keep up to date with all the latest cricket news and share your opinion on the biggest topics, visit our Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter) pages.