Rahul Dravid for PM: Twitterati lauds India's U-19 coach for accepting 50% pay cut

Mumbai: Prithvi Shaw-led India scripted history in February as they became the first team to win the ICC U-19 World Cup for a record four times. Following the Boys in Blue’s historic victory, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced cash prizes of Rs 50, 30 and 20 lakhs for Rahul Dravid, the players and the support staff respectively.

Unhappy with the decision, head coach Dravid soon put forward his reservations and demanded parity in cash awards for all the members of the support staff.

Later, the former India skipper had a meeting with BCCI chief executive officer Rahul Johri in Mumbai where he stood by his decision and requested a change. The national cricket board soon responded, by accepting Dravid’s decision.

Dravid’s selfless gesture made the headlines and Twitterati was left in awe, praising the Indian batting icon.

Not only the support staff of the winning team, but also members who trained with the boys in their year-long preparation were also rewarded, including late trainer Rajesh Savant.

On their arrival from New Zealand, the cricket legend said he appreciated the effort put in behind the scenes by the members.

"Coaching this team I tend to get a lot of attention, but it is really about the quality of support staff that we have had and the effort they have put in has been amazing. It's a bit embarrassing at times because I tend to get a lot of attention and focus, but it is really about the support staff and the quality of people that we've had. I don't want to mention names but everyone in the support staff has put in a great effort. We do the best for the kids," he said.