Marvan Samson Atapattu, a legendary cricket player from Sri Lanka, had a tumultuous start to his international career. Despite facing numerous challenges, he persevered to become one of Sri Lanka’s finest batters, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Over a span of 16 years, Atapattu amassed an astonishing 14,000 runs in international cricket, showcasing his exceptional talent and skill.
Known for his elegance and technical prowess, Atapattu was a master of the high-elbow cover-drive. He possessed an exceptional ability to play the percentage game, especially on lifeless pitches. His cautious approach provided a much-needed balance to the risks taken by his opening partner, Sanath Jayasuriya. Initially, Atapattu served as Jayasuriya’s understudy for three years before being entrusted with the captaincy of the one-day side in April 2003. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Test captain the following year.
Although Atapattu appeared quiet and reserved on the surface, he displayed his leadership skills in the dressing room. His straight-talking demeanor and positive approach earned him the respect of his teammates. Fair but firm in his dealings, Atapattu adopted an aggressive strategy when it came to the game. Under his captaincy, Sri Lanka achieved notable victories in the Asia Cup, as well as ODI and Test series against South Africa at home in 2004. Additionally, they achieved whitewashes in home Test series against West Indies and Bangladesh the following year. The pinnacle of his captaincy was evident in 2004 when Sri Lanka won 13 out of 14 ODIs. Throughout his career, Atapattu registered 11 ODI hundreds, with nine of them coming away from home.
Despite his accomplishments, Atapattu’s career was not devoid of controversy, especially concerning his relationship with the selectors. In a moment of frustration during the 2007-08 tour of Australia, he referred to them as “a set of muppets headed by a joker.” His comment, which was prompted by being a late inclusion in the squad due to government intervention, highlighted the strained dynamics within the team. Nevertheless, Atapattu exhibited his resilience and performed remarkably during that series, scoring two half-centuries, including an impressive 80 in the second innings in Hobart. Unfortunately, Sri Lanka lost the series 2-0, and Atapattu declared his retirement from international cricket on the final day of the Hobart match.
Following his retirement, Atapattu delved into coaching roles with Sri Lanka, contributing his expertise and experience to nurture future talents. He also ventured beyond his home country, coaching teams such as Canada and Singapore. Despite the ups and downs throughout his career, Atapattu’s legacy as an exceptional cricket player, astute captain, and influential coach remains intact.
Marvan Samson Atapattu’s journey in international cricket serves as a testament to his unwavering determination, skill, and contribution to the sport.
