Rahul Dravid, the former head coach of the Indian cricket team, has declined a bonus of Rs 2.5 crore offered by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following India’s recent T20 World Cup triumph in the Americas.
The BCCI had initially offered the bonus to Dravid as a gesture of appreciation for his role in guiding the team to victory. However, Dravid expressed his preference to receive the same amount as other members of the coaching staff, opting for a more egalitarian approach to his remuneration.
It was reported that the BCCI was keen to reward Dravid’s efforts with a higher bonus, even suggesting a sum of Rs 5 crore, a figure equivalent to the bonuses received by the players. But Dravid remained firm in his decision to decline the extra amount.
Dravid’s tenure as India coach had initially come to an end after last year’s 50-over World Cup at home. However, captain Rohit Sharma and the BCCI successfully convinced Dravid to stay on till the T20 World Cup, recognizing that the short timeframe would make it difficult for a new coach to take up the challenging role.
Dravid’s coaching journey culminated in a World Cup victory, and he is now considering taking a step back from the intense schedule of international cricket. Rumors have circulated about him potentially joining an IPL franchise as a mentor, but for now, Dravid is prioritizing a period of relaxation after a demanding two-year stint as India coach.
Meanwhile, the BCCI announced the appointment of former India opener Gautam Gambhir as Dravid’s successor for the next three years. Gambhir, known for his successful stint as the mentor of the Kolkata Knight Riders, leading them to their third IPL trophy earlier this year, will be taking over the reins of the Indian national team.
As Dravid embarks on a new chapter, the Indian cricket team will be looking to Gambhir to provide the guidance and leadership required to continue their success on the international stage.
