The only time Sunil Gavaskar said 'a few words in anger' to Kapil Dev

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has cleared the air on the belief that there was some rivalry between him and teammate Kapil Dev during their playing days. 

Speaking to a news channel on Friendship Day, Gavaskar said that they have been friends during their playing days too. 

"We are very good friends. We were good friends back then as well. Maybe the board wanted to divide us, maybe the media also wanted the same," Gavaskar told India Today.

Gavaskar did recollect that one incident when he said a few angry words to Kapil.

Gavaskar said that they were involved in an angry exchange in 1979 while playing against Pakistan. 

"I was batting on 166 and then I played a shot towards backward point off Imran Khan. I wanted to take a single but Kapil declined from the non-striker's end. I got out on the very next ball," Gavaskar said.

"I was very angry when I returned to the dressing room. Tea was taken 10-15 minutes after my dismissal and in the break I yelled at him," added Gavaskar.

Gavaskar also rubbished comparisons between Kapil Dev and Hardik Pandya, saying the legendary all-rounder is a once-in-a century cricketer and cannot be compared to anyone.

Batting great Gavaskar was not at all amused when asked about the tendency among some experts to compare the two.

"Kapil Dev should not be compared with anyone. He is not just a once-in-generation player but a once-in-a century cricketer just like Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. We should not compare him with anyone," Gavaskar said.