In times where it is commonplace to talk of bringing down walls here is one Wall that we could do with more of. If you are a cricket buff or from India you would know of whom I am talking about – Rahul Dravid a cricketer par excellence.
Rahul in his heydays was known as the Wall for his stolid reliability and patience to spend hours and hours at the crease despite all odds. Although he has his own self-deprecating theories about why he was named so.
He retired from cricket in 2012 and could have easily been a wall and rested on his laurels. But the Wall is just a sobriquet. He’s a doer. Given the opportunity he accepted the coaching the Indian Under-19 cricket team.
And worked his magic.
They won the 2018 ICC World Cup early this month. Celebrations, jubilation, accolades and cash prizes rained down. The BCCI announced cash rewards for the coach (Rs 50 lakh), team members (Rs 30 lakh) and coaching staff (Rs 20 lakh).
The Wall took objection to this announcement.
Why the discrepancy? He expressed his displeasure.
Excuse us but how much more money do you want?
No! Why should I get so much more than the rest of the staff?
What?! Err…that’s the norm. In any case, they can’t be given as much as you.
FINE. Then I’ll take less and we’ll share it equally.
The BCCI had little choice but to bow down to this hitherto unheard of stance.
To reiterate, as it is difficult to believe that some one would actually do such a thing in today’s time and era of each one for himself, Rahul Dravid took a Rs 25-lakh (or nearly a $ 40,000) pay cut just to ensure parity in incentive to all support staff. Now every member of the coaching staff including Dravid will get Rs 25 lakhs
Rahul Dravid has shown that the shelf life of a sportsperson maybe short but a gentleman lives forever.
May his tribe grow and prosper.
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This is my submission for the monthly We Are the World Blogfest which seeks to promote positive news.
Do share your views, opinions, suggestions and positive news.
Wishing you all a wonderful colorful and joyous Holi and a super weekend.
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