Rahul Dravid declines BCCI’s additional bonus of INR 2.5 crore following T20 World Cup win

Former India head coach Rahul Dravid has refused a bonus offered to him by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India). The bonus offered to Dravid was significantly higher than that of the rest of the support staff on the side. However, showcasing a strong sense of fairness, Dravid has denied the bonus. 

As per the plan announced by the BCCI, Dravid, alongside the India squad, was set to receive INR 5 crore, whereas the support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathour, were allocated INR 2.5 crore. 

“Rahul wanted the same bonus money as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments,” a source in the know was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times. It is also worth noting that this is not the first time that Dravid has prioritised equality over personal gain.

He showcased similar principles while coaching India’s U19 World Cup winning team in 2018. Dravid’s actions show his commitments towards building a hospitable team environment with equal treatment of everyone involved. The same actions and principles have been influential in Dravid leading India to an ICC title. 

Gautam Gambhir takes over as India head coach

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as the head coach of the Indian team ended right after the T20 World Cup, and ahead of the side’s tour to Sri Lanka, the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) announced that former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir will be the side’s new head coach. 

Gambhir was slated as the frontrunner for the role of the head coach ever since his triumph with Kolkata Knight Riders, where he led the side to their third IPL title as a mentor. 

Gambhir will lead the Men in Blue from their upcoming white-ball tour to Sri Lanka, and the side will hope that they can replicate some amount of success with the Indian team as well.