Tillakaratne Dilshan by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:

TM Dilshan

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DateLine: 28th April 2009

 

Technically sound, comfortable against fast bowling, possessed of quick feet, strong wrists and natural timing, Dilshan has talent in abundance. But the bright start to his career was followed by a frustrating 15 months when he was shunted up and down the order, and in and out of the side. After a lean series against England in 2001 he was dumped until a one-day and Test return in 2003. He came back mentally stronger and determined to play his own natural aggressive game. The approach was immediately successful with a string of good scores against England and Australia in 2003 and 2004. He has continued to be a steady influence in the middle order of the Test side with good years in 2005 (average 56.50 after nine Tests) and 2007 (average 60 after four Tests). He has also been an important member of the one-day team with his aggressive batting in the middle order complemented by his electric fielding, especially at backward point, and underrated off spin. These all-round skills ensured he was signed by the Delhi Daredevils for the inaugural IPL in 2008.