Tillakaratne Dilshan possessed the ability to be as destructive as power-hitters like David Warner or Chris Gayle when he found his rhythm. While his batting technique wasn’t conventional, he was renowned as one of the game’s brilliant innovators and proved to be highly effective with his unique and unorthodox style, which included the now-famous scoop shot.
His journey in one-day international cricket began in 1999 when he made his debut against Zimbabwe. Over the years, Dilshan accumulated a remarkable tally of more than 10,000 runs from 330 ODIs, showcasing his consistency and class. In the Test format, he played 87 matches, amassing 5,492 runs with a top score of 193 and maintaining an average just shy of 41. His Test career was a testament to his skill and contributions to Sri Lankan cricket.