The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has reportedly decided to discontinue the services of team masseur Rajeev Kumar ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. This move marks another change in the support staff, continuing a trend of alterations within the team's backroom personnel.
Rajeev Kumar had been with the Indian team for nearly 15 years and even accompanied the team on their recent tour of England. However, he was not offered a fresh contract as the BCCI continues to reshape the support staff, moving away from the pre-Gautam Gambhir era. Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024.
According to reports, the decision to part ways with Rajeev Kumar was influenced by a belief within the team's think tank that long-term support staff can lead to diminishing returns. There's a perspective that prolonged tenures can foster a comfort level that may not be conducive to the team's growth. The Indian Express reported that the team had already appointed a new masseur based on the team management's recommendation.
Kumar was known to have a good rapport with the team members, especially the fast bowlers. A photo shared by Mohammed Shami on social media, celebrating Kumar's birthday with Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, highlighted his connection with the players.
This change follows other recent adjustments to the support staff, including the departures of former assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. While Soham Desai was offered the option to continue, he chose to move on. Fielding coach T Dilip was initially asked to leave but was later reappointed. Earlier this year, Sitanshu Kotak was appointed as batting coach.
The Asia Cup 2025 is scheduled to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to September 28. The Senior Men's Selection Committee has announced India's 15-member squad for the tournament. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the team, with Shubman Gill as vice-captain. The squad includes players like Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Kuldeep Yadav, and Axar Patel. The team also includes young talents like Abhishek Sharma. Standby players include Yashasvi Jaiswal, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Riyan Parag and Dhruv Jurel.
India, the defending Asia Cup champions, will begin their campaign against the hosts UAE on September 10 at the Dubai International Stadium, and will face Pakistan on September 14. India are the most successful team in Asia Cup history, with eight titles. The Asia Cup 2025 will be the only multi-team tournament for India before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
