Rahul Dravid's humility was evident once again as the outgoing head coach declined an additional Rs 2.5 crore bonus from the BCCI following India's T20 World Cup triumph in Barbados. Dravid's decision ensured that all support staff members of the senior men's team received equal bonus amounts.

The BCCI had announced a total prize money of Rs 125 crore for Team India, encompassing both players and support staff. While each player and Dravid were to receive Rs 5 crore, support staff members, including batting coach Vikram Rathour, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, and fielding coach T Dilip, were set to receive Rs 2.5 crore. Dravid requested the board to match his bonus to that of the support staff, accepting only Rs 2.5 crore.

The 15 squad players received Rs 5 crore each, while the support staff got Rs 2.5 crore, and selectors and traveling reserves were awarded Rs 1 crore each. The prize money was distributed by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and President Roger Binny during a victory parade in Mumbai on Thursday, July 4.

This is not the first time Dravid has shown such generosity. In 2018, after India won the U19 Men's World Cup, Dravid asked the BCCI to distribute the announced prize money equally among the coaching staff, which the board accepted.

During the felicitation ceremony at the Wankhede Stadium, Dravid praised his support staff, recognizing their essential contributions to the T20 World Cup victory. The tenures of Rathour, Mhambrey, and Dilip also concluded alongside Dravid's.

Rahul Dravid concluded his tenure on a high, leading India to an ICC trophy after an 11-year wait. Despite considering resignation after the ODI World Cup final loss in November last year, Dravid decided to continue at the urging of captain Rohit Sharma. He ended his coaching stint with two major titles: the Asia Cup in 2023 and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024, along with a runners-up finish in the ODI World Cup and the World Test Championship 2021-23.

"We thank Mr. Rahul Dravid and his team of support staff for their service and stellar efforts during their tenure with Team India. The team enjoyed remarkable success across formats, and being crowned champions at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 is a moment the nation will cherish for a long time," said board secretary Jay Shah.

On Tuesday, July 9, the BCCI appointed Gautam Gambhir as the new head coach of the senior men's team with a 3.5-year contract. The former India opener is expected to have Abhishek Nayar as his assistant coach.