Rajeev Kumar, the masseur, has been let go by the Indian team. This ends his long association with the team as the BCCI changes the support staff since Gautam Gambhir took over.
Kumar was with the team for more than 10 years and travelled with them on the recent England tour. But he won’t be offered a new contract. The BCCI has also let go of former batting coach Abhishek Nayar and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai.
According to PTI, someone close to the Indian team’s decision-making thinks that support staff who stay with the team for too long may become complacent which can slow down the team’s progress.
A source in the board told The Indian Express that the board has decided to end Kumar’s services. The team had already hired a new masseur as per team management’s request.
Kumar was friendly and was often seen near the boundary, watching the players with a smile. After long matches, players would ask him for help with muscle stiffness. He didn’t just give massages; he also made energy drinks, protein shakes and electrolyte solutions as per each player’s requirement.
Kumar would also collect balls outside the boundary during fielding practice which helped the fielders stay fresh and keep the game moving. He was close to India’s fast bowlers who would depend on him after a tiring spell.
Ryan ten Doeschate, assistant coach and Morne Morkel, bowling coach are still part of India’s support staff. They joined when Gambhir became head coach in July 2024.
Earlier this year, Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as India’s batting coach and is still in that position.