Legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday called Indian captain Virat Kohli one of the greatest before adding that he “never believed” in comparisons.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who is also fondly known as the ‘run machine’ for his ability to score runs in any conditions, is the only player who looks close to breaking records set by Sachin Tendulkar.

Recently, the stylish right-handed batsman (in 205 innings) became quickest to reach the mark of 10,000 runs by surpassing Tendulkar (249). Virat Kohli is also just 11 centuries short of equalling Tendulkar’s record for highest number of ODI hundreds (49).

Speaking to reporters in Navi Mumbai, Tendulkar said, “Coming to Virat’s development as a player, I think he has developed immensely. And I always saw that spark in him. I always felt that he is going to be one of the leading players in the world, not just of this generation, but one of the leading players of all time.”

“And then it is again about opinions. But if one has to go into comparisons, then I don’t want to get into that. There were different bowlers who played in 60s, 70s, 80s, and possibly in my time and what they are playing today. So I wouldn’t want to get into that,” he added.

Tendulkar spoke to the media after the first India camp of the Tendulkar Middelsex Global Academy began at the D Y Patil Stadium. Former Indian cricketer Vinod Kambli also mentored the kids.

The stylish 45-year-old also stressed that he did not believe in comparisons.

“I think first of all, like how Virat has said and I have been saying for 24 years that I have played. I have never believed in comparison. Each generation if you take from the time cricket was played from day one to now, the change has been constant,” Tendulkar said, before adding, “Then each generation played differently, there were different rules, there were different restrictions, there were different surfaces, there were different balls also at times. So lot of things, boundary lines if you see earlier, I have played where the ball had to hit the concrete in Australia, things have changed over the years. I personally don’t feel one should be comparing different generations.”

“But within that generation also I personally believe there should not be any comparison, because every individual whatever he or she does needs to be respected and judge by itself, it doesn’t have to be always judged by comparing someone and I don’t believe in that (comparisons),” Tendulkar added.