Another selfless act by Rahul Dravid; Former India coach refused extra bonus from BCCI

Rahul Dravid, often hailed as the “gentleman” of cricket, has once again demonstrated his exemplary character by deciding to forgo half of his INR 5 crore prize money from the T20 World Cup winnings. This gesture underscores his commitment to fairness and equality, resonating with his long-standing values both on and off the field.

A selfless act for equality

After Rohit Sharma’s men triumphed over South Africa in the final to secure the T20 World Cup title, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a substantial cash reward of Rs. 125 crore for the team, coaching staff, and support staff. The head coach, Rahul Dravid, was allocated INR 5 crore from this pool, while other coaches were to receive Rs. 2.5 crore each.

However, in a move reflecting his selfless nature, Dravid requested the BCCI to reduce his bonus to Rs. 2.5 crore, aligning his reward with those of the batting, bowling, and fielding coaches. “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 revealed.

I am pleased to announce prize money of INR 125 Crores for Team India for winning the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The team has showcased exceptional talent, determination, and sportsmanship throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all the players, coaches, and support… pic.twitter.com/KINRLSexsD

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) June 30, 2024

A consistent advocate for fairness

This isn’t the first time Dravid has taken such a stance. Back in 2018, as the head coach of India’s victorious U-19 World Cup team, he was set to receive INR 50 lakh, while other support staff members were to get Rs. 20 lakh each, and players Rs. 30 lakh each. Dravid rejected this uneven distribution, prompting the BCCI to revise the awards, ensuring every member of the support staff, including Dravid, received INR 25 lakh.

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Throughout his career, Dravid has consistently put the interests of the team first. His recent gesture of reducing his bonus money once again highlights his dedication to fairness and his unwavering support for his colleagues. Even in his coaching role, Dravid continues to set a benchmark for integrity and selflessness, earning admiration and respect from all quarters.