Rahul Dravid’s humility shines as he declines extra bonus from BCCI
PTC Web Desk: Rahul Dravid, the outgoing head coach of the Indian cricket team, once again demonstrated his humility by refusing an additional Rs 2.5 crore bonus awarded by the Indian cricket board (BCCI) following their T20 World Cup victory in Barbados. Rahul Dravid’s decision ensured that all members of the support staff received equal bonus prizes.
The BCCI had announced a Rs 125 crore prize fund for Team India members, including both players and support staff. While players and Rahul Dravid were each awarded Rs 5 crore, other support staff members, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, were slated to receive Rs 2.5 crore. Dravid, however, requested the BCCI to adjust his bonus to Rs 2.5 crore to maintain fairness.
Each of the 15 players in the squad received Rs 5 crore, while support staff members got Rs 2.5 crore, and the selectors and travelling reserves were awarded Rs 1 crore each. The prize money was handed over by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and President Roger Binny during the team’s victory parade in Mumbai on July 4.
This isn’t the first time Dravid has shown such generosity. In 2018, after India won the U19 Men’s World Cup, Dravid requested the BCCI to distribute his Rs 50 lakh prize equally among the coaching staff, which the board agreed to.
At the Wankhede Stadium felicitation ceremony, Rahul Dravid praised his support staff while recalling the T20 World Cup triumph. Along with Dravid, the tenures of Rathour, Mhambrey, and Dilip also concluded.
Dravid’s Tenure Ends on a High Note
Dravid ended his tenure on a high, leading India to their first International Cricket Council title in 11 years. Despite contemplating resignation after the ODI World Cup final loss in November, Dravid chose to stay on, encouraged by captain Rohit Sharma, and ultimately secured two major trophies: the 2023 Asia Cup and the 2024 T20 World Cup.
“We thank Mr Rahul Dravid and his team for their stellar effort during their tenure with Team India. The team’s success across formats, culminating in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 win, is a moment the nation will cherish,” said BCCI Secretary Jay Shah.
On July 9, the BCCI appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the senior men’s team, with a 3.5-year contract. Former India opener Gambhir is expected to have Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coach.