How Rajeev Kumar and his village gave 50 masseurs to Indian cricket
Rajeev Kumar, a massage therapist from a small village, has built a successful career working with elite Indian cricketers. His journey from humble beginnings in Delhi to the international stage highlights his dedication and the growth of professional support staff in sports.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the often-overlooked role of support staff in professional sports and the impact of perseverance on career development.
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.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in