In a display of humility and solidarity, former Indian head coach Rahul Dravid declined an extra bonus after India’s historic victory in the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite being offered Rs 5 crore, the same as the players, Dravid chose to accept Rs 2.5 crore, matching the compensation of his support staff.
“Rahul wanted the same bonus money (Rs 2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff (bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore). We respect his sentiments,” a BCCI source told the Hindustan Times on Wednesday.
Initially, the BCCI had announced that all 15 players and head coach Dravid would receive Rs 5 crore each from the Rs 125 crore prize pool. The rest of the coaching staff were set to receive Rs 2.5 crore each. However, Dravid’s insistence on equal pay underscored his character and commitment to fairness.
In addition to the primary team members, the BCCI had allocated Rs 1 crore each to the four reserve players and selectors. The rest of the backroom staff, including physiotherapists, throwdown specialists, masseurs, and the strength and conditioning coach, were awarded Rs 2 crore each.
Dravid, who took on the head coach role in November 2021, concluded his tenure with the memorable win against South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, ending India’s 17-year wait for a second T20 World Cup title. His last match saw the Rohit Sharma-led team clinch victory by seven runs.
On July 9, 2024, the BCCI announced that former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir, known for his crucial performances in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup finals, would succeed Dravid as head coach. Gambhir’s tenure is set to last until December 2027.
