World record holder of longest first-class innings of all time (1015 minutes batting ), Rajeev Nayyer today openly supported HPCA President Anuraag Thakur ,to say that Thakur have taken the state cricket to the top. 45 years 166 days Rajeev said,"Under the guidance of Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association president Anurag Thakur, Himachal has made a tremendous progress as the state has erected 4 international stadiums with linked infrastructures.” He said that state players are now the part of Indian teams.
Addressing a press conference at Dharamsala Nayyar said, “None of the previous Governments of Himachal helped to provide me a job, ignoring my achievements like 7000 runs career, 20 centuries and 32 half centuries at an average of 44.97 in 96 first class matches, but Anuraag helped me to be in the referee panel of BCCI.” When asked, Nayyar could not comment on the present case on Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) accusing it of serious violations, particularly in changing its status from a 'cricket promotion society' to company, and signaled its imminent takeover and changing the land use allotted for players association.
In 2000 Anuraag took over the regime of HPCA,which was than controlled by Maj. S C Nayyar (than working as HPCA Secretary) ,father of Rajeev. Rajeev was than captain of Himachal Ranji Team,who later lashed on Anuraag after his (Rajiv’s) forced exit of the team.Rajeev Nayyar hit the headlines in November 1999 when he batted for 1015 minutes in scoring 271 for Himachal Pradesh, who he was captaining. It was the longest first-class innings of all time, eclipsing Hanif Mohammad's 970-minute 337 made against West Indies in 1957-58.
His performance in Duleep Ttrophy is also very impressive. Playing for North Zone, Rajeev Nayyar on his debut in Duldeep Trophy against East Zone in 1996, scored 108. The year 1999 was a golden year for him as he scored 952 runs in eight matches with an average of 68. He scored four centuries and got second position in batting in India in first class matches.
Rajeev is the first Himachal player to have played for Minor County in England for a record time of 10 years. Rajeev Nayyar is recepient of the highest state sports award Parshu Ram Award by the Himachal Government.