India U-19 cricket team shaped an extraordinary performance in the final of ICC U-19 World Cup against Australia. Prithvi Shaw-led Boys in Blue created history by winning a record fourth title, beating Australia by eight wickets in the World Cup finals in New Zealand. A special achievement by Indian team is it is unbeaten throughout the tournament.

The BCCI, Coach Rahul  Dravid were overwhelmed with the players and their outstanding performance throughout the tournament. Soon, after team, India defeated Australia in the ICC Under 19 World Cup final 2018, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of Rs 50 lakh for coach Rahul Dravid and each member of the team. All the other members of the support staff will get Rs 20 lakh each by the board.

But, India U-19 Rahul Dravid questioned the inequality in cash prizes between him, the support staff and members of the team after returning home from New Zealand. In his words, Dravid asked BCCI: ‘Why the disparity in cash prizes between him, his support staff and the winning squad?’

The coaching staff for the tournament included bowling coach Paras Mhambrey, fielding coach Abhay Sharma, Physiotherapist Yogesh Parmar, Trainer Anand Date, Masseur Mangesh Gaikwad and video analyst Devraj Raut who would get Rs 20 lakh each. However, he expressed his views and requested that all the support staff members be rewarded equally.

Dravid had credited the success of the team to the entire support staff that worked so hard behind the scenes. “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 had said.

According to The Indian Express, the former India batsman had demanded that all staff members should be paid equally and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have also agreed to the demand. Thus, all members of the under-19 coaching staff including Rahul Dravid will now be paid Rs. 25 lakh, including Dravid.

“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, there have been seven, eight of us who have been together for the last 14 months, the effort they put in was incredible,” said Dravid.

“I am proud to be a part of their (support staff) team and see it as that. We try and do what’s best for the kids and hopefully they can put in the performances on the field and they have certainly done that in this tournament,” he added.

Dravid became India’s U19 coach in 2015 and also took the team to the final in the previous edition in 2016, which they lost to West Indies.

Also Read: ‘We Were Scared Of Rahul Dravid Sir’ Says U-19 Pacer Nagarkoti Post The World Cup Win