Tillakaratne Dilshan – Profile:
| Name | Tillakaratne Dilshan |
|---|---|
| Player Type | Right-handed batsman, Off-break bowler |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1976 |
| Father’s Name | Ranathunga Kappagoda |
| Birthplace | Kalutara, Sri Lanka |
| Career Start | December 11, 1999 |
| Retirement Date | August 25, 2016 |
| Matches Played | 330 (ODIs), 87 (Tests), 80 (T20Is) |
| Centuries | 22 (ODIs), 16 (Tests), 1 (T20Is) |
| Half Centuries | 47 (ODIs), 23 (Tests), 6 (T20Is) |
| Ducks | 22 (ODIs), 12 (Tests), 2 (T20Is) |
| Nervous Nineties | 4 (ODIs), 5 (Tests), 1 (T20I) |
| Wickets | 106 (ODIs), 39 (Tests), 9 (T20Is) |
| Captainship | 10 (ODIs), 2 (Tests), 2 (T20Is) |
| Man of the Matches | 19 (ODIs), 5 (Tests), 5 (T20Is) |
Biography:
Tillakaratne Dilshan, born on October 14, 1976, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, is a former right-handed batsman and off-break bowler. His international cricket journey began on December 11, 1999, and he retired from all formats on August 25, 2016. Dilshan’s cricketing career spans 330 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), 87 Test matches, and 80 Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).
Dilshan was known for his aggressive style of play and innovative shots, particularly the “Dilscoop,” which he popularized. He amassed 22 centuries and 47 half-centuries in ODIs, 16 centuries and 23 half-centuries in Test matches, and one century and six half-centuries in T20Is. His ability to convert starts into big scores was evident, although he did encounter the “Nervous Nineties” on a few occasions.
Beyond his batting prowess, Dilshan was a handy off-break bowler, taking 106 wickets in ODIs, 39 wickets in Test matches, and 9 wickets in T20Is. He also had brief captaincy stints in limited-overs formats.
Throughout his career, Tillakaratne Dilshan played numerous crucial innings and claimed Man of the Match awards on multiple occasions, reflecting his impact on the game.
World Records:
Below are some of the notable world records held by Tillakaratne Dilshan in each format:
One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most runs in ODI history as an opening batsman | 10,290 |
| Most runs in a single calendar year (ODIs) | 1,502 |
Test Matches:
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most runs in a single calendar year (Tests) | 1,598 |
| Most catches as a fielder in a Test series (3 Tests) | 11 |
T20 Internationals (T20Is):
| Record | Number |
|---|---|
| Most runs in T20 World Cups | 487 |
Brand Endorsements:
Tillakaratne Dilshan’s charisma and popularity as a cricketer made him an attractive figure for brand endorsements. He endorsed various products and services, representing both local and international brands. His impact as a stylish and innovative batsman, coupled with his sportsmanship on and off the field, made him a sought-after brand ambassador in Sri Lanka and beyond.
In summary, Tillakaratne Dilshan’s aggressive batting, effective off-spin bowling, and numerous records have earned him a revered place in Sri Lankan cricket history. His contributions to the game and his association with various brands have left a lasting impact on his fans and the commercial world alike.