Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh make bold prediction for Alcaraz vs Djokovic AO final

Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh [Source: @BCCI.tv]

The Australian Open 2026 men’s final is already giving blockbuster vibes. Two generations, two superstars and one trophy that could rewrite history. On Sunday, February 1, world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will lock horns with Novak Djokovic at the iconic Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

The hype is sky high and now, the cricket world has jumped into the party too. In a fun video posted by the BCCI on X, Indian cricket stars Ishan Kishan and Arshdeep Singh picked their favourites for the title clash. And let’s just say, they are not on the same page.

BCCI video goes viral as Ishan and Arshdeep pick favourites

The BCCI’s X video gave fans a cool crossover moment. Indian cricket stars talking tennis is not something you see every day. But the energy was pure entertainment. And the best part? Both picked opposite favourites, which made it even more fun.

Ishan Kishan has made it clear. He wants Alcaraz to win but his reason was pure cricket talk, not tennis talk. Ishan said he likes how Alcaraz plays because it reminds him of how India’s men’s cricket team bats: fast, aggressive and always looking to hit gaps. He explained that Alcaraz plays quick and attacks whenever there’s space, instead of waiting around and showing too much patience.

“I personally want Alcaraz to win because I feel that the way he plays is very much like how we (the Indian men’s cricket team) play. It’s a bit quick. Whenever there’s a gap, we try to hit it. We don’t show that much patience. So that is with Alcaraz," Ishan said.

And honestly, after smashing 103 off 43 balls against New Zealand in the fifth T20I in Thiruvananthapuram, Kishan was in no mood for “patience” anyway.

BCCI

@BCCI

Team Carlos Alcaraz or Team Novak Djokovic? 🎾🤔 Here’s who @ishankishan51 and @arshdeepsinghh are backing ahead of the Australian Open final 😎 #TeamIndia | @AustralianOpen

Feb 1, 2026, 10:00 AM

Arshdeep Singh, who bagged a fifer in the game, didn’t even hesitate. He straight away said he is supporting Novak Djokovic, calling him “Iceman”.

Arshdeep’s pick also makes sense. Djokovic is a 10-time Australian Open champion. Melbourne has been his kingdom for years. When the stakes rise, Djokovic usually turns into a different beast.

Ishan’s funny question puts Arshdeep in a tricky spot

The banter got even better when Ishan questioned Arshdeep after he picked Djokovic. Ishan asked him how many more Grand Slams he wants Djokovic to win.

Arshdeep’s response was hilarious too. He joked that if Djokovic keeps winning, people will keep asking “Who won? Who won?” like it’s just always him.

Ishan wasn’t done after that. He said Sunday’s final is extremely important for Alcaraz because it will give him his first Australian Open and help him complete the career Grand Slam. That’s why Ishan is sticking with “Carlito”.

Alcaraz vs Djokovic Final is a proper history maker

For Carlos Alcaraz, this is a golden chance to win his first-ever Australian Open title. He has never lifted the trophy in Melbourne before. More importantly, a win on Sunday will help him complete the career Grand Slam, which is the rare achievement of winning all four majors: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open.

Meanwhile, for Novak Djokovic, this is not just about winning another Slam. This is about becoming the first player in tennis history, men’s and women’s combined, to win 25 Grand Slam singles titles. Right now, Djokovic is tied on 24 with Australian legend Margaret Court, who won her titles from 1960 to 1973.