Mumbai: Sachin Tendulkar on Thursday called Virat Kohli one of the greatest, but said he never believed in comparisons.

“Talking about 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,” said Sachin on the first day of his Middlesex Global Academy camp at DY Patil Stadium.

The camp also involves his friend and former cricketer, Vinod Kambli.

Sachin is also impressed with teen sensation Prithvi Shaw. “He has progressed tremendously and with age he is going to be better and better. He will continue to perform. Yes Australia trip is going to be good exposure for him. Whatever I have seen he is a fast learner. So I see him ready for that,” he said.

Shaw bats with a healthy strike-rate and many experts feel he should be part of limited overs side as well after making a successful Test debut. “I think he (Shaw) has performed well in all formats. So if you are not suited for all formats you can’t perform well,” he added

Sachin said India have a big opportunity to do well in Australia, especially in absence of their premier players such as Steven Smith and David Warner. “Australia don’t look the same side it used to be. With Smith and Warner not there (in the team), this is a great opportunity to do something special,” he said.

He praised India’s bench strength in bowling and predicted Jasprit Bumrah’s presence is important. “In case there are Injuries, there is someone sitting who is ready to go and deliver. There is always room for improvement. I am sure they want to get better each time they go out to the field. Whatever I have seen of Khaleel with Mumbai Indians then and on TV now, he looks good, but it is too early to say anything,” he said.