Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma's recent performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy were disappointing, contributing to India's loss in the Test series against Australia for the first time in a decade. Their lackluster batting has prompted fans and analysts to suggest that they return to domestic cricket, specifically the Ranji Trophy, as they have not participated in it for several years.

Following the series, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar addressed the detrimental impact of the "icon culture" prevalent in Indian cricket, which he believes can hinder the team's progress. He also emphasized the significance of the selectors' role, arguing that it surpasses that of the head coach.

Kohli accumulated only 190 runs across 9 innings during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Although he scored a century in Perth, he faced difficulties throughout the series, frequently falling victim to wide deliveries outside off-stump. Conversely, Rohit Sharma's performance was even more dismal, managing a mere 31 runs in 5 innings.

Rohit Sharma's struggles were so pronounced that he opted to "stand down" from the Sydney Test. Manjrekar referenced the 2011-12 season, where India suffered a 0-4 defeat against England and Australia, as a parallel to the current situation.

"The primary issue lies in the icon culture we have in India, along with the idolization of certain players. Whether in 2011-12 or now, we witness a similar pattern where iconic players underperform, ultimately dragging the team down," Manjrekar articulated in a column for Hindustan Times.

"The reality is that when it comes to prominent players, we struggle to maintain objectivity as a nation. Emotions run high, and those responsible for making decisions regarding these players are often swayed by this atmosphere. Rational cricketing judgment is often disregarded, leading selectors to hope that the player will retire voluntarily, thus avoiding the appearance of being the ones who ended the career of a beloved figure," he further elaborated.

'Selector makes more difference than a coach'

Manjrekar emphasized that the responsibilities of a selector surpass those of the head coach. It is noteworthy that Gautam Gambhir and his support team have faced backlash following India's recent underwhelming performance in Test matches.

In discussing the current management's reluctance to use the term "dropped" in selection decisions, Manjrekar remarked, "By softening the impact of a player's removal, the team management misses the chance to convey a crucial message—that performance on the field is what matters, not personal branding. We often overlook the profound influence a selector can have. If executed properly, a selector can significantly alter the trajectory of the Indian team, more so than any coach. The media tends to overemphasize the coach's role."

"However, the real challenge lies in whether the committee can make difficult decisions aligned with their assessments. For Mr. Ajit Agarkar to make purely cricketing choices, irrespective of the player involved, we must facilitate his role. As former cricketers, the media, administrators, and fans—who hold considerable sway—must prioritize the interests of Indian cricket over individual legends. Australia does not hesitate to drop a player before they become a substantial liability," he added.

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