(AFP Photo)
Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, was extended the same reward of Rs 5 crore that was offered to the players following India’s momentous victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final. However, reports indicate that despite being eligible for the extra bonus, the 51-year-old declined it. Consequently, he received the standard coaching staff remuneration of Rs 2.5 crore, aligning with the rest of the coaching team.
“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 was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times on Wednesday.
According to a report in the Indian Express on Monday, the BCCI allocated a total prize money of Rs 125 crore for India’s victorious T20 World Cup 2024 squad. Each of the 15 players along with head coach Rahul Dravid were slated to receive Rs 5 crore, while the remaining three coaches (batting, bowling, and fielding) were to be awarded Rs 2.5 crore each.
In a generous gesture, Dravid declined the additional bonus and requested to be compensated at the same rate as his fellow coaches. The BCCI’s prize distribution also included Rs 1 crore for each of the four reserve players and selectors. Furthermore, Rs 2 crore each was earmarked for the remainder of the support staff, comprising three physiotherapists, three throwdown specialists, two masseurs, and the strength and conditioning coach, ensuring recognition for everyone involved in India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024.
Rahul Dravid, the former Indian captain, took on the role of head coach of the Indian team in November 2021 and served in this capacity for over 2.5 years before stepping down. His tenure culminated in a memorable victory as Rohit Sharma led India to a seven-run triumph over South Africa in the T20 World Cup final, securing India’s second title after a 17-year wait.
Following Dravid’s departure, the BCCI announced on Tuesday (July 9) that Gautam Gambhir, renowned for his pivotal contributions in India’s triumphs at the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup finals, will succeed him. Gambhir’s tenure as head coach is slated to extend until December 2027, marking a new chapter in Indian cricket leadership.
