Tillakaratne Dilshan the wonder man

All the gruesome years of being undermined were forgotten when he received a rapturous ovation from a generous crowd after his last innings. This incident was no more or no less warmth than was expected as Tillakaratne Dilshan savoured the moment.

The cricket world was entrenched in the moment as it came to a standstill during the last T20 versus Australia. The most lasting images flashed by in front of us, stirring up newfound respect. The impressions were endearing. Yet the cold had come out and the fire that was burning brightly was diminishing rapidly.

The last moments were special. The 39-year-old stooped over to say his final goodbyes to the turf that had made for glorious moments and stepped over the boundary line for the final time.

Dilshan will leave a gaping hole in Sri Lankan cricket

While the gleaming memories remained, the crowd were mourning the loss of one of Cricket’s most colourful characters, a talisman that was adored by Cricket’s shot-makers for enhancing the ‘Dilscoop’ and a man that had, strangely, flourished in the latter parts of his career. His astonishing form the last few years was finally lighted.

The statistics are effusive about his service. Most runs over 35, second-most 150 plus scores, most T20 World Cup games and second Sri Lankan to score tons across all formats.

The delicacy of Dilshan’s life is complete, having dished up a spectacle over the last seven years that is every bit as incredible as the man himself and having spearheaded the Sri Lankan attack that could be powerful, and also painful.

Karachi: the face saver

His job is done. Now it is left to the exciting next generation to serve the nation with pride. Like every other player, the batsman had a moment where his career took shape. The destination was Karachi in Pakistan, a place where the pot was boiled for the first time.

This was a place where the batsman first showed his ruthless edge, the ease at which he accumulates his runs. This was the match that painted his career bright and revved the fulcrum after that.

The opportunity

It is January 2009 and Sri Lanka is facing off against Pakistan. Upal Tharanga is injured and Tillakaratne Dilshan finally has his chance to shine at opening.

The 39-year-old is hungry for success and we are witnessing an innings which could light the fire for a successful career. 76 runs are scored in all as the devastating effects of the Sri Lankan in prime form wreak havoc among the Pakistan bowlers.

There is widespread admiration for the fluency in his new role, looking at home in a role that he would flourish in.

Will he open the innings long term?

His captain, Mahela Jayawardene, was impressed with Dilshan’s prowess but “he’s got a bigger role to play in the middle order”.

In the years after, he would feature a prominent part in the heart of the Sri Lankan spine, becoming a wonder man in world cricket. Dilshan became a major factor in them achieving unheralded success (together with Sangakkara and Jayawardene) with his incredibly consistent feats at the top of the order. Fans were filled with wonder as the superstar became a stellar part of world cricket.

He was four times in the ICC One-Day squad, with further spurs on his popularity.

Dilshan the champion

That innings in Karachi started a rich vein of form that made him a fearsome threat to bowlers. If the innings had ended in disaster, his career would be painted in an entirely different light. Yet you only have to score runs when it matters.

The Sri Lankan has powered over his doubters with a succession of performances that have been every bit as spectacular as the man himself. He was magnificent. He matured like red wine, bearing fruit later on.

When he came well, he was a guiding light, shining out as a beacon to aspiring youngsters seeking his superior knowledge. He has always prided himself in being self-less.

The Dilscoop

Dilshan will be remembered the fondest for the ‘Dilscoop’, a shot which he has held close to heart and claimed he invented. The shot has galvanised modern-cricket mechanics, helping them add another bold shot to their array. The stage was set for him to unleash the beast in the 2009 World T20.

Since then, it has become his most coveted memory. It has been the memory that has sparkled above the other, that has been primed to go down as Dilshan’s most illustrious one.

The batsman has been the caviar of the Sri Lankan team. Yet did he really do enough to be talked about in the same breath as Sangakkara and Jayawardene? His captain, Angelo Matthews, thinks so.

Mathews full of praise for Dilshan

“Dilshan has been an absolute brilliant servant for Sri Lankan cricket over the past 17 years,” Mathews said to Espncricinfo. “I think he has equally done the service that Mahela and Sanga did, and we’re going to miss him a lot. Unfortunately, he had called it a day. We respect that decision and the whole team wishes him the very best.”

Dilshan will certainly burn brightly in our memories as a true warrior.