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Chamari Athapaththu's luck changed drastically when she was selected by UP Warriorz to participate in the Women's Premier League (WPL) 2024. The left-handed batter remained unsold in the auctions for both the 2023 and 2024 editions, which surprised many considering her reputation as one of the fiercest hitters and most consistent all-rounders in women's cricket.
However, Athapaththu's fortunes turned when she was chosen as a replacement for England's Lauren Bell, who withdrew from the tournament to join her national team for the T20I series against New Zealand.
Ahead of the upcoming WPL, where she will team up with players like Grace Harris, Danni Wyatt, and skipper Alyssa Healy.
'Wasn't shocked, but surprised at not being picked in WPL auction'
Sri Lanka's skipper and UP Warriorz player, Athapaththu, expressed surprise on February 7 at not being initially selected during the WPL auction for the second season. However, she stated that rejections serve as motivation for her.
“I wasn’t shocked, I was surprised because they (WPL franchises) didn’t pick me. But these things are not in my control. I think of what I can control because these decisions are taken by someone else – some coaches or some (team) management. I can’t control these things, but what I can control is my batting, my bowling. I just want to do what I can do. I take these decisions in good spirits and do my best,” she said.
Don't want to take any pressure: Athapaththu
The 33-year-old Athapaththu shared her wish not to weigh herself down with unnecessary pressure. Instead, she highlighted the importance of playing her natural game and expressing herself freely.
"Every game is important for me. So, this is a good opportunity for me and I just want to play my natural game. I don't want to take any pressure on my shoulders and, rather, enjoy my time in the middle. It's a competition and I want to take one game at a time. So, I will try and keep things simple and play my natural game," Athapaththu told India Today in a virtual round table media interaction, conducted by the Warriorz.
This wasn't the first instance of the Sri Lankan cricketer being selected as a replacement player. The all-rounder had faced similar circumstances last year in the Women's Big Bash League (WBBL) drafts when she was initially overlooked but later signed by the Sydney Thunder.
Athapaththu excelled in every aspect, clinching the ‘Player of the Tournament’ title. Not only did she emerge as her team's top run-scorer with 552 runs, including five half-centuries and a top score of 80, but she also claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 6.83.
Furthermore, Chamari secured the ICC Women's ODI Player of the Year accolade and was appointed as the captain of the ICC Women's ODI Team of the Year. In eight ODIs during 2023, the left-hander amassed 415 runs at an impressive average of 69.16, with a high score of 140.
'Different atmosphere'
Athapaththu has graced Indian soil in international cricket, featuring in 10 T20Is and 13 ODIs. In 2019, she donned the colours of the Supernovas, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, during the Women's T20 Challenge held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
India's recent home Tests, ODIs, and T20Is witnessed massive turnouts at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai and Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. With the upcoming WPL 2024 slated for Bangalore and Delhi, Athapaththu expressed her anticipation for playing in front of packed stadiums.
"I had a few good experiences in India, especially in the Women's T20 Challenge where massive crowds came to see us play. I hope spectators will come to watch us even in the WPL. It's a different atmosphere altogether, and I am super excited because of the atmosphere and cheers from the crowd," Athapaththu added.
With Healy leading the team and set to play in the starting XI, the question arises about whether Athapaththu or Wyatt will partner her in opening the batting.
The Warriorz will kick off their campaign against Smriti Mandhana's Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on February 24, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
(Powered by AI, Inputs by India Today)
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