Former India head coach Rahul Dravid recently demonstrated his characteristic humility and fairness by refusing a bonus offered to him by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). The proposed bonus for Dravid was significantly higher than that of the rest of the support staff, but in a move that underscores his commitment to equality, Dravid declined the extra payment.
According to the BCCI’s initial plan, Dravid, along with the Indian squad, was set to receive a bonus of INR 5 crore. In contrast, the support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathour, were each allocated INR 2.5 crore.
Rahul Dravid, however, insisted that his bonus should be equal to that of his colleagues, emphasizing the importance of fairness and solidarity within the team.
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“Rahul wanted the same bonus money as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments,” a source familiar with the situation told the Hindustan Times. This gesture is not an isolated incident but rather a reflection of Dravid’s long-standing principles. During his tenure as the coach of India’s U19 World Cup-winning team in 2018, Dravid displayed similar values, ensuring that his entire staff was equally rewarded for their contributions.
Former Indian coach #RahulDravid has reportedly declined the offer of a bonus of ₹2.5 crore from the @BCCI‘s prize money and opted for a pay that is on par with the support staff. #BCCI #T20WorldCup #T20WorldCupFinal2024 https://t.co/I7EEH2KcM3
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) July 10, 2024
Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the senior Indian team came to an end following the T20 World Cup. Ahead of India’s tour to Sri Lanka, the BCCI announced that former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir would take over as the new head coach. Gambhir’s appointment follows his recent success with the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he led the team to their third IPL title as a mentor.
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Gautam Gambhir, a seasoned cricketer with a sharp strategic mind, was considered the frontrunner for the head coach position. He is set to lead the Indian team starting with the upcoming white-ball tour to Sri Lanka. The team and fans alike are hopeful that Gambhir can bring a fresh perspective and achieve significant success with the national side, much like his predecessor. Gambhir’s tenure marks a new chapter for Indian cricket, filled with anticipation and high expectations.
