'She carries pressure of a key player' - Shafali Verma explains how Chamari Athapaththu inspires her

Despite winning against Pakistan, India face a mountain ahead of them due to their crushing loss to New Zealand Women in their inaugural game at the Women's T20 World Cup 2024. To have any chances of getting through the group stages of the competition, the Indians will have to win both of their remaining league fixtures. While the one against Australia already poses to be a demanding likelihood, the Lankan challenge beckons them first. 

Top-order batter, Shafali Verma, explained how the Lankans have transformed as a group from being a side majorly reliant on their skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, till a long time. 

“There was a time when Chamari was the one scoring most of the runs and taking wickets, but in the Asia Cup, her entire team performed well. They’ve improved a lot, which is why they won the cup. Chamari carries the pressure of being a key player, and it’s inspiring to see how she handles it and performs for her country," stated Varma in an interaction with Star Sports.

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Right-arm medium pacer, Renuka Singh, credited Athapaththu for being a pivotal component in the Lankan assembly, and also revealed that she had done her homework on the southpaw.

“Chamari Athapaththu is very interesting. She’s the only one from Sri Lanka who takes the team to the other side. I will try to get her out as soon as possible because if she is set, she can take over the match. I have a plan on how to get her out,” mentioned Renuka.

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Despite Renuka never having dismissed Athapaththu in the 40 deliveries in T20Is, she has conceded only 44 runs. It will be crucial for Renuka and the others to get rid of Athapaththu as early as possible, as the Lankan captain is more than capable of punishing any opposition. India Women in the final of the Women's Asia Cup 2024, where she was adjudged the Player of the Match for her excellent 63-run knock in 48 deliveries which led to Sri Lanka Women clinching the title for the very first time.