Biography

One of the most technically gifted batsmen Sri Lanka has ever produced, Marvan Atapattu started off his career as a teenager at Mahindra College before moving to Ananda College, Colombo. He began his international career when the glorious era of the nineties was about to begin.

Atapattu was considered as an understudy for three years before being appointed captain of the ODI side in April 2003. In early 2004 with the Sri Lankan side facing a rough patch he was appointed captain of the Test side as well and he created an immediate impact as he prevented the Lankans from slipping any further. He had the backing of the dressing room and was an on-the-face captain. By mid 2004 he brought the Lankans back on track leading them to an Asia Cup win and a series whitewash over South Africa. His career was hampered due to a back injury that forced him out of the squad. He slowly forced his way back into the side but his issues with the selectors forced him to retire from all forms of the game.

In a career spanning almost two decades, Atapattu averaged 38.90 with 16 centuries, including six doubles in his Test Career and 37.57 in ODI's with 11 centuries. Following his retirement, the veteran was appointed batting coach of Sri Lanka in 2011, and in 2012 he was named coach of the Singapore national side. A year later, Atapattu was promoted to the post of assistant coach of Sri Lanka.