Sri Lankan · Colombo, Sri Lanka · Born 14 October 1976Tillakaratne Dilshan was a Sri Lankan opening batsman and occasional wicketkeeper, famous for inventing the unorthodox 'Dilscoop' shot over the wicketkeeper's head.
Tillakaratne Dilshan invented the 'Dilscoop' — an audacious ramp played over the wicketkeeper's head against fast short-pitched bowling — an innovation so unexpected and effective that it became one of the most recognised and widely imitated shots in modern Twenty20 cricket and a lasting mark on how the game is played. Dilshan developed into one of the most innovative and versatile batters in the history of limited-overs cricket, becoming particularly renowned as one of the finest players of run-chases in ODI history, and captained the Sri Lankan national team across various periods of his international career. Dilshan invented the "Dilscoop," an audacious shot played over the wicketkeeper's head, which became one of the most recognisable and widely imitated innovations in modern limited-overs batting, particularly effective against fast, short-pitched bowling in Twenty20 cricket. Dilshan played extensively in franchise Twenty20 leagues around the world after retiring from international cricket, including stints in England, Bangladesh, and the Caribbean, remaining one of the most inventive and entertaining batters that Sri Lanka has ever produced.
Sri Lankan opener credited with inventing the 'Dilscoop' shot
How They Played
Dilshan was renowned for his aggressive opening batting style and innovative shot-making, particularly his trademark 'Dilscoop' - a reverse paddle shot played over the wicket-keeper's head. He combined classical technique with unorthodox strokes, making him particularly effective in limited-overs cricket where his attacking approach could unsettle bowling attacks from the outset.
Lasting Impact
Dilshan's innovative batting techniques, especially the Dilscoop, influenced a generation of modern cricketers and contributed to the evolution of T20 batting strategies.
Career Honours
- ICC World Twenty20 winner 2014
- ICC Cricket World Cup finalist 2011
- ICC ODI Player of the Year 2009
- ICC World Twenty20 Player of the Tournament 2009
| Club | Period | Matches | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomfield Cricket Club | 1992–2016 | 137 | 7391 | 87 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 2008–2013 | 12 | 312 | — |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 2014–2015 | — | — | — |
Sri Lankan Athletes