Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed concerns about the impact of India’s “icon culture” on the team’s performance, particularly during its current transition phase. He believes that this culture fosters hero worship among fans, which can lead to a decline in rationality as iconic players near the end of their careers. Manjrekar argues that this phenomenon results in a “generational slump,” where selectors hesitate to make bold decisions, fearing backlash from fans if they drop established players.

As India prepares for a significant transition similar to that of 2011-12, Manjrekar highlighted that cricketing logic often gets overshadowed by emotional ties to legendary players. He noted that when these icons struggle, it negatively impacts the entire team. “This transition phase affects India the most among top teams due to our hero worship,” he stated.

Manjrekar emphasized the need for selectors to take decisive actions without being swayed by public sentiment, as it is crucial for the team's future. He pointed out that while fans may have high expectations of their heroes, it’s essential for the selectors to prioritize performance and make necessary changes for the team’s long-term success.