Sachin is all-time greatest, says Viv Richards

Kolkata:

Terming Sachin Tendulkar "all time greatest cricketer", West Indies cricketing great Viv Richards on Tuesday said the Mumbai maestro would create many more records in future.

Here in the city to inaugurate a Durga Puja pandal, the former West Indies captain said, "Tendulkar is the all time greatest cricketer. I am sure he will have more records to his credit."

Tendulkar became the first batsman to touch the 14,000 Test runs mark during the second Test against Australia. Richards though said Tendulkar does not bat he way he use to, a fews years ago.

Tendulkar recent conquest of the 14,000 Test run summit, said, "Only Sachin can achieve the kind of feat that he already has. Time has, however, seen a change in his willow wielding techniques and he has become more restrained in his batting style."

Richards, whose fearless batting made him a top batsman in both Test and ODI formats, finds a shade of himself in Yuvraj Singh.

"I see a lot of myself in Yuvraj Singh. His style of batting is distinctly 'Caribbean' and similar to that of mine during my playing years," the 58-year-old Antiguan said.

Richards also picked India as one of the favourites to win the upcoming ICC World Cup early next year.

"Firstly, as host nation, India have a strong chance. This is not to discount the fact that they have a great batting line-up and have performed well over the last five years."

About his visit during the ongoing Durga Puja festival season, the West Indies great said, "I have a lot of memories attached with the city. Being here during the pujas only makes all the more special."