Sunil Gavaskar Raises Eyebrows Over Gautam Gambhir’s Champions Trophy 2025 Reward Stance
March 25, 2025 – Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has sparked a fresh debate in the cricketing world by questioning current India head coach Gautam Gambhir’s approach to the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) cash reward announcement following India’s triumph in the Champions Trophy 2025. In a pointed critique, Gavaskar asked whether Gambhir would emulate his predecessor Rahul Dravid’s selfless gesture of sharing prize money equally with his support staff, or if his silence on the matter suggests he’s “not a good role model” for the next generation.
The BCCI recently announced a hefty ₹58 crore cash prize for the Champions Trophy-winning squad, with players and head coach Gambhir slated to receive ₹3 crore each. Assistant coaches and support staff were allocated ₹50 lakh each, while BCCI officials were set to pocket ₹25 lakh. Gavaskar, writing in his column for Sportstar, lauded Dravid’s actions after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory, where the former head coach refused to accept more than his support staff and opted for an equal share of the ₹125 crore reward pool. “Rahul Dravid, ever the team man, refused to accept more than his fellow members of the coaching staff and shared it equally with his colleagues,” Gavaskar noted.
However, with two weeks having passed since the BCCI’s Champions Trophy reward announcement, Gambhir has yet to comment on whether he intends to follow Dravid’s example. This silence prompted Gavaskar to pose a direct question: “It’s been a fortnight since the BCCI announced the rewards, but we haven’t heard anything from the current coach on whether he will also do a Dravid. Is he not a good role model?” The comment has ignited discussions among fans and analysts about leadership, humility, and the expectations placed on high-profile figures in Indian cricket.
Gavaskar didn’t stop there. He praised the BCCI’s generosity, highlighting how the board’s financial growth has enabled it to reward players, staff, and selectors handsomely. “The BCCI, now awash with funds, is showing its appreciation for the efforts put in by everybody,” he wrote, adding that the players would also retain the ICC’s prize money for the tournament. Yet, his focus remained on Gambhir’s next move, subtly challenging the coach to match Dravid’s precedent of prioritizing team unity over personal gain.
Gambhir, who guided India to the Champions Trophy title in Dubai earlier this month, has faced scrutiny in his tenure despite the recent success. His tactical decisions and outspoken demeanor have often polarized opinions, and Gavaskar’s remarks add another layer to the narrative surrounding his leadership style. As India celebrates its second ICC title in eight months—following the T20 World Cup win under Dravid—Gambhir now finds himself under the spotlight not just for his coaching prowess but for his off-field choices.
Will Gambhir address Gavaskar’s query and “do a Dravid,” or will he chart his own path with the reward money? For now, the cricketing fraternity waits with bated breath as the debate over role models and responsibility continues to simmer.