Watch: Tillakaratne Dilshan learns how gravity works

Tillakaratne Dilshan is known for his electric fielding, especially at backward point however he has also done wicket-keeping duties for Sri Lanka. Dilshan once experienced a rather embarrassing moment behind the wickets in an ODI. There was this one ball which he threw in the air only for it to land on his head! To make matters worse the appeal for a catch was denied by the umpire and Dilshan’s act cost his team extra run in the form of an overthrow.

Dilshan’s rise in cricket occurred during the middle and later years of his career and owed much to his move up the batting order in 2009, a full ten years after his debut. He was never entirely convincing as a middle-order bat, but as an opener, he has been electrifying, destructive, and feared. His energy and contributions in the field have been highly motivational for his team over the years. At the age of 39, he is still as fit as any other cricketer in the world and continues to throw himself athletically in the field.

Dilshan though is more renowned for his batting exploits. At the crease, he is pure theatre. Flamboyant carving off-drives, flaying cuts and, above all, the Dilscoops, dominate his innings. The latter is a frighteningly risky shot that requires timing, skill and sheer courage. To go down on one knee to a ball coming at you at 80mph-plus and attempt to scoop the ball, knowing that if you miss there’s a good chance you’ll be hit, is to demonstrate bravery on the verge of insanity. Dilshan is the ultimate entertainer and a consummate prankster. This wicket-keeping act surely enhanced his reputation of being a maverick.

Watch: Tillakaratne Dilshan learns how gravity works: