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Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma was prepared to give up his ₹5 crore bonus from the BCCI in order to ensure equal pay for the coaching support staff, according to reports. This gesture comes on the heels of outgoing head coach Rahul Dravid‘s decision to reject a ₹2.5 crore bonus from the BCCI, opting instead to receive the same ₹2.5 crore bonus as the rest of the coaching staff.
Rahul Dravid’s principled stand
Dravid, who guided the Indian team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2024, was initially awarded an additional ₹2.5 crore bonus by the BCCI. However, he refused to accept the extra amount, insisting that the entire coaching staff, including bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach T Dilip, and batting coach Vikram Rathore, should receive the same ₹2.5 crore bonus.
“Rahul wanted the same bonus money (₹2.5 crore) as the rest of his support staff,” a BCCI source told Hindustan Times. “We respect his sentiments.” This is not the first time Dravid has taken such a principled stand.
In 2018, when he was the head coach of India’s victorious U-19 World Cup team, he declined a higher bonus for himself compared to the rest of the support staff, leading the BCCI to revise the distribution and ensure equal rewards for everyone.
Rohit Sharma’s gesture
According to the report of Dainik Bhaskar, Indian cricket team captain Rohit was willing to forgo a portion of his bonus to increase the bonuses for the support staff.
Rohit was reportedly unhappy with the bonus amounts awarded to the support staff by the BCCI and didn’t mind deducting from his bonus to boost their rewards. However, Rohit did not specify which support staff members he wants to see receive higher bonuses.
One of India's support staff members said, "when the 125cr prize money was distributed, Rohit Sharma raised his voice and said 'support staff shouldn't get such less money'. He was even ready to relinquish his own bonus for us". (Abhishek Tripathi).
– Rohit, a gem guy! 🥹❤️ pic.twitter.com/xCEkGsXsHd
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 11, 2024
Additionally, one of the support staff members who travelled with the T20 World Cup-winning Indian team from Barbados to Delhi praised Rohit, stating that others should learn from the captain’s approach of appreciating the contributions of the support staff. This gesture from the Indian captain underscores the strong bond and camaraderie between the players and the coaching staff, led by the exemplary conduct of Dravid.
Also READ: Reason why ex-India coach Rahul Dravid reduces his T20 World Cup bonus by INR 2.5 crore
Praise for Dravid’s humility
Dravid’s decision to reject the extra bonus has won him widespread praise, with many hailing his “class act” and “integrity.” Cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu said, “The fragrance comes from his character, not a perfume.”
Renowned cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle also lauded Dravid, saying, “In a world where ‘come-look-at-me’ is a disease and paid PR is an acceptable way of life, Rahul Dravid makes humility look cool.” Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, calling Dravid a “true living legend” and their “cricketing hero.”
The outgoing coach’s principled stand and Rohit’s willingness to forgo his own bonus for the support staff have once again demonstrated the strong team culture and camaraderie within the Indian cricket setup, setting an inspiring example for the sport.
