Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan has backed the Indian team head coach Gautam Gambhir to end the star culture in Indian cricket.

Pathan emphasized how long-standing preference for well-known names has frequently harmed up-and-coming players. He also implied that Gambhir and the head of selectors, Ajit Agarkar, are committed to bringing about long-lasting change in Indian cricket.

“Mere liye team culture bahut important hai. (For me, team culture is very important). Gautam Gambhir jo hai na wahaan pe, jab tak wo apni coaching journey khatam karenge na, wo team culture le ke aayenge puri tarah se. (As long as Gambhir is the coach, he will fully instill team culture,” Pathan told Lallantop.

Pathan also spoke on fandom in Indian cricket, and fans sometimes struggle to move on from their heroes who are not in their prime anymore, just because of their past reputation.

“Humare yahaan ek banda fail hue ja raha hai 3, 4, 5 saal se magar usko chance de do kyunki wo bahut bada player hai. Kahi toh aapko full stop lagana padega na. (Here, a player keeps failing for 3, 4, or 5 years but still gets opportunities because he is a big name. Somewhere, you have to put a full stop,” he explained.

Pathan praised the current selection panel, led by Agarkar, for their balanced approach in picking teams.

“Dusra jinka naam nahi aata, wo banda abada jabardast hai Indian cricket ke liye”—chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar. (The other person who deserves credit is Ajit Agarkar; he is fantastic for Indian cricket,” Pathan said.

Pathan explained how the alignment between the coach and selector is needed to pick the best team possible.

“Aaj ek koi bhi decision hota hai na, wo sirf coach nahi le sakta, ek koi bhi decision selector nahi le sakta. Do log agar mil jaaye, jo majboot ho, wo fir sahi direction mein jaate hai. Mujhe lagta hai ye dono sahi direction me ja rahe hai... team culture ko le kar. (Today, no decision can be taken solely by the coach or solely by the selector. If two strong individuals come together, the team moves in the right direction. I believe Gambhir and Agarkar are doing that with team culture,” he added.

Pathan's remarks demonstrate the rising acceptance of Gambhir's ideas about limiting personal preference and guaranteeing opportunities based on merit, a change that may characterize Indian cricket's future.