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BCCI ends Rajeev Kumar’s decade-long stint as Indian team masseur, revamping staff from pre-Gautam Gambhir era.
Indian men’s cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir (PTI)
The Indian team has ended its long association with Rajeev Kumar, their longtime masseur, as the BCCI revamps its backroom staff from the pre-Gautam Gambhir era. Kumar, who served the team for over a decade, accompanied them on the recent England tour but will not receive a new contract.
Former batting coach Abhishek Nayar and longtime strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai have also been let go by the BCCI.
Why Rajeev Kumar Left?
As per a report in PTI, an influential member of the Indian team’s decision-making unit believes that support staff staying too long with the national team can lead to diminishing returns. There is a belief that longtime support staff may develop a comfort level with players, which could hinder the team’s growth.
Rajeev Kumar, a trusted member of the support staff, was part of many significant tours and series, including India’s recent trip to England.
“The Indian board has decided to discontinue with Rajeev’s services. The Indian team had already appointed a masseur, which was recommended by team management before,” a source in the board was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.
Kumar, as per the report in TIE, was known for his approachability and was often seen near the boundary, smiling while monitoring the players. After long matches, cricketers often turned to him for help with stiff and sore muscles. His duties extended beyond massages; he prepared energy drinks, protein shakes, and electrolyte solutions, catering to individual preferences.
Kumar was also part of the group that collected balls outside the boundary during fielding sessions, aiding in keeping fielders fresh and maintaining over rates. He had a close bond with India’s pace bowlers, who relied on him after exhausting spells.
Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coach and Morne Morkel as bowling coach remain part of India’s support staff, having arrived as part of Gambhir’s backroom staff when he took over as the head coach of India in July 2024.
Earlier in January this year, former Saurashtra batter Sitanshu Kotak was named India’s batting coach and is still in the role.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha… Read More
Read More
