BCCI Ends Association with Long-Time Team Masseur Rajeev Kumar After Nearly a Decade
BCCI ends ties with Rajeev Kumar, India’s long-serving team masseur. After nearly a decade, players bid goodbye to the ‘unsung hero’ of Indian cricket.
BCCI ends association with long-time team masseur Rajeev Kumar, a trusted figure in the Indian dressing room for nearly a decade.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fired long-time masseuse Rajeev Kumar, ending his nearly ten-year tenure with the national team, marking yet another major change to the Indian cricket team's support staff.
Rajeev Kumar Verifies His Departure
In an emotional Instagram post, Kumar, who became well-known in the Indian dressing room, announced his departure: "Serving the Indian cricket team for ten years (2006–2015) has been an honour and a privilege. I sincerely appreciate the chance, God, and I'm looking forward to it.
Both players and fans held Kumar in high regard, and he was well-known for his commitment and distinctive smile.
Not Just a Support Employee
Rajeev Kumar was involved in much more than just massage therapy. He played a key role in:
- After long days on the pitch, players need to relax their tense muscles.
- Nutrition and hydration: making customised electrolyte mixes, protein shakes, and energy drinks.
- On-field assistance: frequently seen gathering balls and assisting in keeping play fluid at the boundary ropes.
- He was a vital member of the team because of his strong relationship with fast bowlers, who often depended on his recovery skills.
Players and fans adore
Several Indian cricket players have publicly acknowledged Kumar's significance. Yuzvendra Chahal referred to him and the other employees as the "unsung heroes" of India's success, and Mohammed Shami once posted a birthday photo of him and Ishant Sharma that showed their close relationship.
A More Comprehensive Reorganisation of Support Personnel
A broader reorganisation of the Indian team's support structure includes Kumar's departure. Recently, fielding coach T. Dilip was temporarily relieved before being reinstated, while Abhishek Nayar, Arun Kanade, and Soham Desai also moved on.
The End of an Era
Fans will miss Kumar's constant smiles on the sidelines. For the players, his unceasing work behind the scenes was essential to guaranteeing top form and innumerable wins for Team India.
Indian cricket says goodbye to one of its most reliable backroom contributors with his departure.
