Although tipped as the most talented, promising player to come out from the 'emerald islands', he made an inauspicious start to his Test career against India in 1990-91 that almost threw him into oblivion. But after scoring heavily in domestic cricket he won the selectors' nod again. And since then there has been no looking back.
He plays club cricket for SSC (Singhalese Sports Club), which is led by Aravinda de Silva.
Besides cricket, Atapattu, whose off-drive is a treat to watch, works as a marketing officer in a private bank named Sampath Bank.
The introvert Lankan has scored two hundreds and 11 fifties in his 50 appearances so far in one-day internationals at a respectable 39.75. The Daily Star Sport had a heart-to-heart with Atapattu at the Sonargaon Hotel Friday.
The Daily Star: You were overlooked for the World Cup in 1996. Are you looking forward to the Wills International Cup?
Marvan Atapattu: I was in the side but didn't get a chance to play. But through my performances I'm guaranteed a place in the side today. So things have gone well in recent past.
DS: You had a horrible start to international cricket.
MA: Yes, it's against India. Out of six innings I got five ducks at the start of my Test career. It's very frustrating.
DS: Tell us about your struggle to get into the national side.
MA: Personally I play cricket for the love of the game. I just love it and if I get dropped tomorrow from the national side, even then I'll keep on playing for my club.
DS: How much time do you devote to practice everyday?
MA: In the morning we undergo a physical training session and then its another 31/2 hours in the afternoon.
DS: When there's no tournament do you still practice? Give us an idea about the schedule.
MA: While are off we continue the practice. The physio normally gives us a schedule. But its comparatively easier.
DS: What do you prefer doing when taking a time-out from cricket?
MA: You see I have been married for one and half years now. And my wife is expecting a child, so the answer is simple.
DS: Congratulations in advance. You have long been rated as one of the most talented young batsman. But things just didn't click. How did you really feel after scoring your first one-day hundred?
MA: Oh! It's pleasingÉ because of the amount I put in. Just being talented does not mean that you don't need to practice and can stay away from hard work. So many talented players are trying to stake a claim in the national side that's why you can't take things for granted.
DS: Who is your source of inspiration?
MA: Obviously my parents. They kept encouraging me. They love cricket. Besides them, I want to mention the names of Dave Whatmore (former Sri Lanka coach) and my local coach (who is also the mentor of Aravinda de Silva) who gave me a lot of inspiration during my bad time. My captain (Arjuna Ranatunga) who never lost faith in me and that motivated me much.
DS: What prompted you to become a cricketer?
MA: One of my cousins used to play cricket. His name is Mahela Manohar, actually he is my first cousin. He played a couple of games for Sri Lanka.
DS: Name your favourite cricketers of today.
MA: It's difficult to say, and depends on many things. Like, if you watch an innings of (Sachin) Tendulakar you will say Tendulkar. The same goes for (Mark) Waugh, Aravinda or (Brian) Lara. All of them deserve to be picked.
DS: Well, who's the better of the four?
MA: Still it's a very, very, very difficult question to answer. I mean on their day anyone can be a match-winner.
DS: And your pick from the past?
MA: From what I've seen on television Richard Hadlee looked brilliant.
DS: Which bowler do you find very difficult to face?
MA: I think Wasim Akram and Allan Donald are very difficult to deal with. (Javagal) Srinath however gave me lot of trouble at Mohali last year.
DS: Your most thrilling experience in cricket?
MA: Although I was not a playing memberÉ But the joy we had with the World Cup victory was amazing.
DS: Which one is your best innings so far?
MA: The century (132 not out) at Lord's against England (in the final of the tri-nation Emirates Cup).
DS: Jayasuriya and you make a contrasting opening duo. How do you manage to keep your cool while your partner goes on a rampage?
MA: I'm not at the top of the order anymore. I will only open at Test level and Kaluwitharana in limited-overs games.
DS: But you opened with Jayasuriya in a few matches. He prefers to go after the ball from the very first delivery. Does it tempt you to hit shots like the aggressive left-hander?
MA: I can't be compared with Sanath. I know my limitations and have got my own style. The plan is always to keep the scoreboard ticking and give him the strike as much as possible during the first 15 overs.
DS: Could we talk about your wife. Who's her favourite cricketer, off-course, besides you?
MA: She's not very fond of cricket though she's married to a cricketer. She watches the game but not that much. About her favourite cricketer É u-u-h-h, well, believe it or not, I heard her mentioning Shaun Pollock's name quite often.
DS: Despite being in fantastic form in England you haven't played any competitive game since then. Tell us about your preparations for Dhaka.
MA: We'd about three weeks' practice session back home. But rain had disrupted a lot. Usually we play three or four practice matches before any tour. But this time we could play only one practice match.
DS: Sri Lankan cricket is very popular in Bangladesh. Would you like to pass on any tips w for our young cricketers?
MA: I'm not the right person to talk about this thing. I think a senior member can tell you. But, still with the little knowledge I have, I will always say É.it's the dedication, determination and the love for the game which will make you a good cricketer.
DS: Which version of cricket do you prefer most?
MA: Certainly, Test cricket. It is the real test for a cricketer.
DS: Thanks for your time and wish you all the best in the tournament.
MA: Thank you also.