How Rajeev Kumar and his village gave 50 masseurs to Indian cricket

New Delhi: In 2002, when Rajeev Kumar arrived in Delhi, his only goal was to earn a stable income. Armed with a diploma in massage therapy from Jodhpur University, he took up his first job, earning just Rs 100 a month. Nearly a quarter of a century later, he has travelled the world alongside some of the greatest cricketers of his generation. But the journey was anything but easy. Before becoming one of Indian cricket's most trusted support staff members, Rajeev spent years travelling in crowded Delhi buses, walking miles to save money and wondering if his dream would ever become a reality."When I first came to Delhi, everything felt overwhelming," Rajeev tells TimesofIndia.com from Southampton, where he is working with Southern Brave."I travelled by bus, walked long distances and struggled for three to four years. At that time, I never imagined I would one day work with the Indian cricket team and travel the world."Those early years tested every ounce of his resolve.After coming to Delhi, I travelled by bus, walked long distances and struggled for three to four years. At that time, I never imagined I would one day work with the Indian cricket team and travel the worldHe did not have a mobile phone. Someone eventually bought him a Nokia 1100 because he could not afford one himself. His first earning was just Rs 100. Stable work remained elusive for almost five years but he refused to give up.Dr Choudhary introduced him to Ashish Nehra in 2004, who used to come to a clinic in Greater Kailash for his massage sessions. It opened the doors to the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) for Rajeev, who then spent nearly a decade with Delhi's Ranji Trophy team, quietly earning a reputation for his work ethic and professionalism.When the Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched in 2008, he joined the Delhi Daredevils from the inaugural season. Assignments in the ISL, Pro Kabaddi and hockey followed before the biggest break of his career arrived in 2016, when he became part of the Indian team during the T20 World Cup.Around 50 boys and girls from my village have entered this profession. Some work in the IPL, some with Ranji teams, some in the Indian team, while others are in yoga and AyurvedaWhat had once seemed impossible had become reality. Today, Rajeev measures success differently."Around 50 boys and girls from my village have entered this profession," he says proudly. "Some work in the IPL, some with Ranji teams, some in the Indian team, while others are in yoga and Ayurveda."For someone who once struggled to establish himself, becoming an inspiration back home means more than any medal."When people from my village meet me and say they are proud, it feels wonderful. They ask me to help more youngsters enter this profession. If I can create opportunities for them, it is a blessing."The man who opened every doorIf Rajeev credits one cricketer for transforming his career, it is Ashish Nehra.Their association began while Nehra was recovering from injuries. Rajeev would spend hours treating the left-arm pacer, often on the terrace of his house because Nehra preferred sessions under the sun.Whatever I am today, Ashish Nehra played the biggest role. He opened every important door in my career."Whatever I am today, Ashish Nehra played the biggest role. He opened every important door in my career," he says."When he returned to the Indian team, he never forgot me," Rajeev says. "During the 2009 IPL in South Africa, he helped me get opportunities and later recommended me for other assignments. I will always be grateful."That loyalty became the foundation of a career that eventually took him into the Indian dressing room. It was Nehra who introduced Rajeev to former India captain MS Dhoni in 2015 and in a year's time, Rajeev was in the Indian men's team dressing room.Trusted by championsOver the next eight years, Rajeev worked alongside four Indian captains and witnessed some of the defining moments of modern Indian cricket. Each leader left a different impression.MS Dhoni's calmness immediately eased his nerves as a newcomer. The former captain regularly invited him for breakfast or dinner and ensured every member of the support staff felt valued.Tension mat lena Rajeev bhai. Bilkul chill hoke kaam karo. Kisi bhi tarah ki jaroorat ho mera kamra khula hai.' Mahi bhai took me out for dinner that day"My first day bhai checked on me. He said: 'Tension mat lena Rajeev bhai. Bilkul chill hoke kaam karo. Kisi bhi tarah ki jaroorat ho mera kamra khula hai.' Mahi bhai took me out for dinner that day," he recalls.Virat Kohli impressed him with an obsession that bordered on relentless."I have known Virat since his Delhi days," Rajeev says. "His transformation has been unbelievable. He completely changed his lifestyle and inspired everyone around him."He still remembers Kohli playing through personal grief after the death of his father, a memory that continues to define the batter's mental strength in Rajeev's eyes."What a knock he played that day. All of us in that dressing room knew that we are witnessing something special, and it was just starting of a great career," he says."Under Virat, the Indian team's fitness went a notch above. He pushed everyone. For him fitness was everything. He was relentless. He worked so hard. I was surprised when he turned vegan, because the Virat I know used to love his food. I just want to tip my hat to the great man. What he did for Indian cricket is something that I can't explain in words," he adds.I was surprised when he turned vegan, because the Virat I know used to love his food.Then came Rohit Sharma, whose leadership style revolved around empathy."He speaks to every member of the support staff, asks about our families and always makes everyone feel included. Even in this year's IPL, he met and the first question he asked was about my family."Then came the young captain Shubman Gill, whose majestic form helped India draw the five-match Test series in England in 2025. I...

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