Rahul Dravid Declines Additional Bonus, Advocates for Equality in Support Staff

Rahul Dravid, India's outgoing head coach, has declined the additional Rs 2.5 crore bonus offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for leading the team to its second T20 World Cup title. Dravid's decision stems from his commitment to equality and team spirit, ensuring that all members of the support staff receive the same bonus.

Initially, the BCCI had decided to award Dravid a Rs 5 crore bonus, the same amount given to the playing squad members. However, Dravid requested a reduction in his bonus to align it with the Rs 2.5 crore given to the other support staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T. Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore.

"Rahul wanted the same bonus money (Rs. 2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff. We respect his sentiments," a BCCI source disclosed.

This is not the first instance of Dravid advocating for equal distribution of rewards. In 2018, as the head coach of India's U-19 World Cup-winning team, Dravid also refused a higher bonus for himself. At that time, the BCCI had initially decided to award him Rs 50 lakh while other support staff members would receive Rs 20 lakh each and the players Rs 30 lakh each. Dravid requested an equal distribution, resulting in a revised list where every member of the coaching staff, including Dravid, received Rs 25 lakh each.

Dravid's actions reflect his unwavering commitment to equality and team spirit, hallmarks of his coaching tenure that have set a high standard for integrity and leadership in Indian cricket. His decision to decline the additional bonus ensures that all members of the support staff are recognized and rewarded equally for their contributions to the team's success.

Tags: #RahulDravid, #BCCI, #T20WorldCup, #Equality, #SupportStaff