Rahul Dravid, the departing head coach of Team India, has once again demonstrated his character and selflessness by requesting a reduction in his T20 World Cup 2024 bonus from INR 5 crore to INR 2.5 crore, aiming for equal rewards among all coaches. This gesture follows the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) announcement of a total reward pool of INR 125 crore for the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team, which includes players, coaching staff, and support staff.
Initially, Dravid's share of the prize money was set at INR 5 crore, while the other coaches—bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore—were to receive INR 2.5 crore each. However, Dravid asked the BCCI to reduce his bonus to match that of his colleagues, emphasising the importance of equal recognition and reward for all members of the coaching staff.
A BCCI source stated, "Rahul wanted the same bonus money (Rs. 2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments."
This is not the first time Dravid has made such a request. During his tenure as head coach of India's winning U-19 World Cup team in 2018, Dravid refused a higher cash reward and insisted on equal distribution among all members of the support staff. The BCCI revised the cash awards accordingly, ensuring fair and equal compensation.
Dravid's actions have consistently reflected his team-first mentality, both as a player and as a coach. His dedication to fairness and equality has earned him widespread admiration and respect within the cricketing community.