The India Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) has made a major overhaul of the senior men's support staff prior to the Asia Cup, starting on September 9 in the United Arab Emirates. The cricket board has released long-time team masseur Rajeev Kumar, who was with the Indian team for almost 15 years. Rajeev was also a member of the support staff on the England tour, where India came back to draw the five-match Test series 2-2. His name has not, though, been in the list of new contracts as the BCCI goes about rebuilding backroom staff that predated Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach. To the Indian Express, a source informed: "The Indian board has decided to discontinue with Rajeev’s services. The Indian team had already appointed a masseur, which was recommended by team management before" Also Read | Pragyan Ojha in line for BCCI selector role: Reports Support Staff Reshuffle in Full Swing This action comes on the heels of a string of changes brought about by the BCCI over the past few months. The board earlier declined to extend the contract of assistant coach Abhishek Nayar and the strength and conditioning coach Soham Desai. While an option to continue was offered to Desai, he decided to call it quits. The board had also separated from another masseur, Arun Kanade. Fielding coach T Dilip was first withdrawn but reinstated later following a change of heart by the board. A senior member of the Indian think tank was quoted in a PTI report as saying that having support staff with the national team for long durations can bring in diminishing returns, and hence, changes are a must. Rajeev Kumar was also famous for being close with Indian cricketers, especially the pacers. He became more popular after Mohammed Shami uploaded a photo in which Rajeev was celebrating his birthday together with Ishant Sharma and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, which was extensively shared on social media. Also Read | Rahul Dravid Names Toughest Bowler and Spinner He Faced New Faces in the Coaching Setup After India's defeat to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the BCCI appointed Sitanshu Kotak as batting coach. Abhishek Nayar's stint came to an end even after India's Champions Trophy win. When Gautam Gambhir took over as head coach in July 2024, he appointed Nayar and Ryan ten Doeschate as assistant coaches, with Morne Morkel appointed as bowling coach. Although Nayar has since left, Ryan ten Doeschate and Morkel still remain important members of India's support staff under Gambhir's leadership. With the Asia Cup around the corner, these changes underline the BCCI’s intent to refresh the team environment as India prepares for another crucial tournament.