New Delhi: In 2002, when Rajiv Kumar After reaching Delhi, his only goal was to earn a steady income. After graduating from Jodhpur University with a diploma in massage therapy, he started his first job with a monthly salary of just Rs 100. Nearly a quarter of a century later, he travels the world with some of the greatest cricketers of his generation. But the journey has been far from smooth. Before becoming one of Indian cricket’s most trusted support personnel, Rajiv spent years riding 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,” Rajiv told TimesofIndia.com from Southampton, where he is working with Southern Brave.“I took the bus, traveled long distances, and struggled for three or four years. At that time, I never thought that one day I would work in the company. indian cricket team and travel the world. “His early years tested every ounce of his resolve.
After coming to Delhi, I took the bus and traveled long distances, struggling for three or four years. I never thought then that one day I would be traveling around the world with the Indian cricket team
Rajiv Kumar
Rajeev Kumar and Rohit Sharma pose after India won the Champions Trophy 2025. (Special arrangement)
He doesn’t have a cell phone. Someone eventually bought him a Nokia 1100 because he couldn’t afford it himself. His first income was only 100 rupees. For nearly five years, stable employment remained out of reach, but he refused to give up.Dr. Choudhary introduced him to Ashish Nehra in 2004, who had gone to a clinic in Greater Kailash for massage. This opened the door for Rajeev to join the Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA) and he subsequently spent almost a decade with Delhi’s Ranji Trophy team, quietly earning a reputation for his work ethic and professionalism.He joined Delhi Daredevils from the first season when the Indian Premier League (IPL) was launched in 2008. He then held roles in the ISL, Pro Kabaddi and hockey before getting his biggest career break in 2016 when he was part of the Indian team during the T20 World Cup.
About 50 boys and girls from my village have entered this industry. Some are working in IPL, some are working in Ranji team, some are working in India team and some are working in Yoga and Ayurveda
Rajiv Kumar
What once seemed impossible has become a reality. Today, Rajiv measures success in a different way.“About 50 boys and girls from our village have entered this industry,” he said proudly. “Some people are working in the IPL, some are working in the Ranji team, some are working in the Indian team and some are doing yoga and Ayurveda.”For a man who has worked hard to establish himself, being an inspiration in his hometown means more than any medal.
Rajeev Kumar along with Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli after India won the Champions Trophy 2025. (Special arrangement)
“It feels great when people in our village meet me and say how proud they are. They ask me to help get more young people into the industry. If I can create opportunities for them, that’s a blessing.”The one who opens every doorIf Rajiv attributes the turnaround in his career to one cricketer, it is Ashish Nehra.Their relationship began while Nehra was recovering from an injury. Rajiv would spend hours treating the pacemaker in his left arm, usually on the terrace of his home, as Nehra preferred treatment in the sun.
No matter who I am today, Ashish Nehra made the biggest difference. He opened every important door in my career. “Wherever I am today, Ashish Nehra has played the biggest role. He has opened every important door in my career,” he said.
Rajiv Kumar
“When he came back to the Indian team, he never forgot about me,” Rajiv said. “He helped me get opportunities during the 2009 IPL in South Africa and later recommended me for other assignments. I will be forever grateful.”This loyalty became the foundation of his career and eventually landed him in the Indian dressing room. It was Nehra who introduced Rajiv to the former India captain MS Dhoni In 2015, a year later, Rajiv was in the Indian men’s team dressing room.
Indian cricket team after watching a movie at the cinema. (Special arrangement)
Trusted by championsOver the next eight years, Rajiv worked with four Indian captains and witnessed some of the defining moments of modern Indian cricket. Each leader leaves 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 made sure every support staff member felt valued.
Tension padlena 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
Rajeev Kumar’s first conversation with Ms. Dhoni
“On the first day, bhai checked me. He said, ‘Tension pad 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 recalled.Virat Kohli An almost ruthless obsession impressed him.“I have known Virat since his days in Delhi,” said Rajiv. “His transformation was incredible. He completely changed the way he lived his life and inspired everyone around him.”
Indian locker room celebrates Holi (special arrangement)
He still remembers Kohli playing amid personal grief after his father’s death, a memory that continues to define the batsman’s mental strength in Rajiv’s eyes.“What a great performance he had that day. Everyone in the dressing room knew we were witnessing something special and it was just the beginning of a great career,” he said.“The fitness level of the Indian team has gone up a notch under Virat. He pushed everyone. For him, fitness is everything. He persevered. He worked very hard. I was surprised when he became vegetarian because the Virat I knew used to love his food. I just want to pay tribute to the great man. What he has done for Indian cricket is something I cannot explain in words,” he added.
I was surprised when he became vegetarian because the Virat I knew used to love his food.
Rajeev Kumar on Virat Kohli
then came Rohit Sharmawhose leadership style revolves around empathy.“He talked to every support person, asked about our families, and always made everyone feel included. Even in this year’s IPL, the first question he asked when we met was about my family. “Then the young captain came Shubman GillHis majestic performance helped India draw the five-match Test series in England in 2025. This was also Rajiv’s last series against India.
Rajiv Kumar and Shubman Gill (Special Arrangements)
“Very cute boy with a very good mind. He has the best of Mahi bhai, Virat and Rohit. He just showed his great leadership skills. He will take Indian cricket to greater heights,” Rajiv said.For Rajiv, these qualities were as important as tactical intelligence.Not just cricketLife in the Indian dressing room is based on relationships that transcend boundaries.During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rajiv’s younger son fell seriously ill. What followed remains one of the most exciting chapters of his career.
The entire India team has supported me during the COVID-19 pandemic. Players kept calling me to check on my family and even offered financial support. I will never forget this.
Rajiv Kumar
“The entire Indian team is supporting me,” he said. “Players kept calling me to check on my family and even offered financial support. I will never forget this. “These actions reinforced his belief in the group he served for many years.Heartbreak before redemptionRajiv has experienced cricket’s most brutal moments in recent times. He still remembers the grief after India’s semi-final exit in the 2016 T20 World Cup. But nothing could compare to the silence in the dressing room after the 2023 ODI World Cup final in Ahmedabad.“Everyone is excited. It’s my first time playing for the team and I feel terrible. Sabke chehre utre hue (Everyone was frustrated),” he recalled.
And then that night in Ahmedabad. I want to erase the memory of November 19th.
Rajiv Kumar
“And then that night in Ahmedabad. Agar mera bas chale toh mai November 19 ko hata do (I want to erase the memory of November 19). People in the dressing room were heartbroken.”He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit after the defeat gave the team encouragement when it needed it most.Twelve months later, redemption came.As South Africa approaches the 2024 T20 World Cup final, Rajiv admits there is nothing he can do except pray.“When they needed about 30 runs to reach the finish line, I sat quietly near the boundary and prayed for a miracle. Hey Bhagavan, phil se nahi (God forbid it ever happens again). “
Rajiv Kumar (far right) holds the Indian flag after Barbados won the 2024 T20 World Cup. (Special arrangement)
A miracle has come. India became world champion.“For me, it feels like years of hard work are finally paying off.”Familiar faces on the massage tableThere were lighter moments in the locker room away from the spotlight.Mohammed Siraj, Mohammed Shami and Kuldeep Yadav were all regulars seeking treatment, but Kuldeep stood out.
We used to joke that Kuldeep should win because he probably got the most massages.
Rajiv Kumar
“We used to joke that Kuldeep should win because he probably got the most massages,” laughs Rajiv.he and Ritha Pant Just as special. When Pant met with a horrific car accident, Rajiv and his family rushed to the Hanuman temple to pray.
Rajeev Kumar and Rishabh Pant (Special arrangement)
“Seeing this accident, we feared the worst,” he said. “Thankfully, he recovered. He was a good man who always helped others.”A journey worth celebratingRajiv KumarThe story goes beyond just working with cricket’s greats.The story follows a young man from a small village who arrived in Delhi with next to nothing, endured years of uncertainty, received an education at a time when sports science was still gaining a foothold in Indian cricket, and quietly became one of the most trusted figures behind the scenes.
Rajeev Kumar and KL Rahul (Special arrangement)
His hands helped players recover, but his own journey was built on resilience, humility and gratitude.From earning Rs 100 to celebrating a World Cup victory on the biggest stage, Rajeev Kumar’s greatest achievement might not be the medals he collected along the way. It turns out that even the quietest rides can have the loudest impact.
