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Rajiv Kumar, Team India’s massage therapist for nine years, bids farewell after a trusted stint supporting stars like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, marking the end of an era
Rajiv Kumar’s departure marks the end of an era in Indian cricket. (News18 Hindi)
Cricket may be a game of eleven players on the field, but its victories are shaped by many more working quietly in the background. Coaches, trainers, physiotherapists and masseurs form the unseen spine of a cricket team, ensuring that players remain fit and ready for the grind. Their contribution rarely catches the camera’s eye, yet without them the team could not compete at the highest level.
One such silent figure, who has stood behind Team India for nearly a decade, has now bid farewell. Rajiv Kumar, who served as the national side’s massage therapist for the last nine years, has not had his contract renewed. His exit marks the end of a long and trusted association in which he worked closely with some of India’s biggest names.
Rajiv Kumar was a constant presence in the dressing room during World Cups, Asia Cups and Champions Trophy campaigns. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya were among the many who sought his expertise when fatigue and pain took their toll. His hands became as important as any tactical meeting, helping tired cricketers recover and return to the pitch.
During matches, Kumar was often seen along the boundary ropes, wearing his trademark warm smile. When match ended, he became the first stop for players looking to ease aching muscles. Beyond massages, he prepared energy drinks, kept players hydrated and even formed part of the boundary support team, retrieving balls and ensuring fielders were not drained of energy unnecessarily. In turn, this helped the players maintain sharper over-rates and fresher legs in crunch situations.
His bond with India’s fast bowlers was particularly strong. In 2019, Mohammed Shami had shared photographs celebrating his birthday with Ishant Sharma and Rajiv Kumar, the three sharing consecutive birthdays on September 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Shami and Ishant often acknowledged how closely knit their friendship with Kumar had become.
Kumar’s departure comes at a time when Team India has seen several backroom changes. Earlier, assistant coach Abhishek Nair, masseur Arun Kanade and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai were also released from their roles. While Desai was offered an extension, he opted to step away. Fielding coach T Dilip too was briefly let go before his contract was later renewed for a year.
For players and fans alike, Rajiv Kumar may not have been a household name, but in the world of Indian cricket, he was an unsung hero who kept champions moving.
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