Chamari Athapaththu: Beyond Power – The Art of Strategic Batting

With an eye on the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka is bringing a fresh lineup for the India tour. Experienced players like Anushka Sanjeewani, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Sugandika Kumar are making way for newcomers, including 17-year-old Shashini Gimhani and left-arm spinner Nimesha Madushani.

Before facing off against India in the first match of the five-game T20I series at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, captain Chamari Athapaththu expressed that the series is an opportunity to experiment ahead of next year’s main event.

“The selectors decided to introduce more young talent into the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. We’ll try various strategies in this T20 tournament. Thanks to a solid domestic framework, we have promising young players. Our under-19 girls are excelling in cricket, which led us to select a couple of them for the national team. It’s a great opportunity for them to showcase their best cricket. I will support them in securing their spots on the team,” she shared.

Athapaththu also offered advice to the emerging players.

“As young players, it’s crucial to deliver your best cricket. Adopting a positive mindset is key. I always encourage them to play without fear, remain true to their natural game, and avoid excessive pressure. As a senior team member and captain, I have faith in them. I aim to develop a strong team for the future.”

While Asian teams such as Sri Lanka might not match the explosive batting of India, Athapaththu believes it isn’t the deciding factor.

“Compared to India, our team lacks power hitters. However, our players excel at timing the ball. Ultimately, the team that plays the best cricket on the day, uses smart strategies, and adapts to the conditions and opposition bowlers will triumph. Power hitting is crucial but not mandatory. We need to clear 60 meters, and I believe we can achieve that with precise timing rather than sheer strength.”

Published on Dec 20, 2025