Legendary Australia spinner Shane Warne on Tuesday (April 7) termed former West Indies captain Sir Vivian Richards as the greatest batsman he has ever seen, before adding that India skipper Virat Kohli is "pushing that conversation".

"Viv is the best batsman I have ever seen. Sachin (Tendulkar) and (Brian) Lara are the two best batters I have played with and now across all formats Virat is just the best. It is tough to think anyone is better than Viv but Virat is pushing that conversation," Warne said in an Instagram live session.

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Recently, Steve Smith’s leadership ban came to an end but Warne is of the opinion that the former should not be burdened with captaincy again.

"If Tim Paine can make runs, he should continue as captain. I want Smith to bat as much as he can with no more distractions," he said. "Paine has to make runs. I feel Steve should be allowed to bat till the rest of his career, not other distractions."

Warne also named Smith, Kohli and New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson as the top three batsmen in the world at this time, adding compatriot Smith as his favourite.

"Steve Smith...tough to go past him he is my favourite at the moment. What mental toughness, love watching David Warner too. Top three would be Smith, Kohli and Kane Williamson."

Warne also said he is open to coaching Australia in the future if they ask him to.

"Maybe one day down the line. I don't think they will ever ask me but maybe one day who knows," he quoted.

Warne, 50, is currently the mentor of Rajasthan Royals – an IPL franchise he led to the title in 2008.

"Would also love to coach an IPL team down the line but at the moment I am happy mentoring Royals. I am never saying no to anything," he said.

(With ANI inputs)