Gautam Gambhir's Staff Member Shown Exit Door By BCCI Ahead Of Asia Cup. Here's Why

A long-serving support staff member, part of Team India for over 10 years, has been relieved of duties by the BCCI before the Asia Cup 2025.

BCCI Parts Ways with Longtime Masseur Rajeev Kumar Ahead of Asia Cup

Following the exit of former batting coach Abhishek Nayar and strength coach Soham Desai, the BCCI has now removed another senior support staff member from Team India. Rajeev Kumar, the team’s longtime masseur who served for over a decade, will not receive a new contract, ending his association with the national side.

Why Was Rajeev Kumar Removed?

According to a PTI report, this decision comes as part of BCCI’s ongoing changes in the support staff since Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach. An influential figure within Team India’s management believes that support staff members staying too long with the team can lead to diminishing returns.

The thinking is that a long tenure may create too much comfort between staff and players, which could affect the team’s growth and performance.

Backroom Staff Changes Under Gambhir

Changes have been happening steadily since Gambhir replaced Rahul Dravid. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and fielding coach T Dilip were removed, although Dilip was later brought back before the England tour. It remains unclear if Dilip will continue in the role for the upcoming Asia Cup.

Current Team India Support Staff Overview

Head Coach: Gautam Gambhir
Assistant Coach & Fielding: Ryan ten Doeschate
Batting Coach: Sitanshu Kotak
Bowling Coach: Morne Morkel
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Adrian Le Roux
Fielding Coach: T Dilip
Throwdown Specialist: Raghavendra Dwivedi (Raghu)
Logistics Manager: Upadhyaya
Video Analyst: Hari
Recovery Specialist (Masseur): Vacant
Additional Throwdown Specialists: Raghu and one unnamed specialist from Colombo (formerly with Sri Lanka)