India vs Australia | Sunil Gavaskar calls for prize money for Indian team after series win

The Indian cricket team, under the guidance of Ravi Shastri, registered back-to-back series wins after they beat Australia in the third and final ODI in Melbourne on Friday night to seal the series 2-1 in their last match of the Australia tour. MS Dhoni and Kedar Jadhav starred with the bat as Yuzvendra Chahal recorded a new career-best tally of 6/42 from 10 overs at the MCG.

However, the visitors were not awarded any form of cash prize or monetary reward despite recording historic wins on the Australian soil for the first time ever. Former Indian opener turned commentator Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Cricket Australia’s decision to forego a cash reward to the deserving Indians.

Man-of-the-Match Yuzvendra Chahal and Man-of-the-Series MS Dhoni were given USD 500 each for their performances in the post-match presentation which the players then donated to a charity. The victorious team was just presented the winners' trophy by former Aussie wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

"What is USD 500 and it's a pity that the team has got only a trophy. They (organisers) earn so much money through broadcast rights. Why can't they give good prize money to the players? After all, players are the sole reason for the sport getting huge money (from sponsors. 

"Look at the prize money being given away at the Wimbledon (Championships). It's phenomenal. The players are key in generating money, so they must be rewarded handsomely," Gavaskar said on Sony Six.