Tillakaratne Dilshan Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Dilscoop, Career, Records, Captain

Tillakaratne Dilshan, commonly known as TM Dilshan, is a former Sri Lankan cricketer and captain, celebrated for inventing the “Dilscoop” shot and being one of the highest-rated Sri Lankan batsmen in ODI run-chases.

Born on October 14, 1976, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, he is regarded as an innovative all-rounder with exceptional batting, bowling, fielding, and wicketkeeping skills.

Profile

• Full Name: Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan
• Stage Name: TM Dilshan
• Born: October 14, 1976
• Age: 48 years old
• Birthplace: Kalutara, Sri Lanka
• Nationality: Sri Lankan
• Occupation: Sri Lankan Former Cricketer, Politician, and Businessman
• Height: 5’9
• Parents: Mr and Mrs Tillakaratne
• Siblings: Tillakaratne Sampath (brother), four other siblings (names not disclosed)
• Spouse: Manjula Thilini (married 2008)
• Children: 4, Resadu Tillakaratne (son, from first marriage), Resandi Linama Tillakaratne (daughter), Lasadi Dihasansa Tillakaratne (daughter), Dihela Dinhath Tillakaratne (son), unnamed son (born 2017)
• Relationship: Married to Manjula Thilini
• Net Worth: $10 million to $12 million

Early Life and Education

Tillakaratne Dilshan was born on October 14, 1976, in Kalutara, Sri Lanka, to a Malay father and Sinhalese mother in a family of six children, including his brother Tillakaratne Sampath, a first-class cricketer.

Initially named Tuwan Mohammad Dilshan, he followed his mother’s Buddhist faith during childhood despite his father’s Muslim background. After his parents’ separation, he converted to Buddhism at age 16, adopting the name Tillakaratne Dilshan.

His family initially opposed his cricketing ambitions, prioritizing academics. He received primary education at Jaffna Sinhala Madya Maha Vidyalaya in Jaffna and later attended Kalutara Vidyalaya National School, where he began playing cricket as a teenager, showcasing early aggression and talent. No formal higher education is documented, as he focused on cricket from a young age.

Career

Dilshan’s professional cricket career began in 1996, debuting internationally for Sri Lanka in a Test match against Zimbabwe on November 18, 1999, scoring 9 runs. In his second Test, he earned Man of the Match with an unbeaten 163. His ODI debut followed in 1999 against Zimbabwe.

Early struggles led to being dropped from 2001 to 2003, but his 2009 move to open the batting transformed his career. He scored 11 international centuries that year, earning the 2009 T20 World Cup Player of the Series for 317 runs, including a 96* off 57 balls against West Indies. His signature “Dilscoop” shot, pioneered in 2009, became a game-changer.

Dilshan captained Sri Lanka from 2011 to 2012 after Kumar Sangakkara’s resignation, leading in all formats but stepping down after a challenging South African tour. In the 2011 World Cup, he topped the run charts with 500 runs, including a century against England.

He scored 10,290 ODI runs (39.27 average), 5,492 Test runs (40.98 average), and 1,889 T20I runs (28.19 average) across 497 matches. Notable records include the highest ODI score by a Sri Lankan (161* vs. Bangladesh, 2015) and hitting six fours in an over against Mitchell Johnson (2015 World Cup).

He played for IPL teams like Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore, retiring from Tests in 2013 and limited-overs formats in 2016. Post-retirement, he entered politics, supporting Mahinda Rajapaksa in the 2015 presidential election, and opened a luxury hotel, Hotel D Pavilion Inn, in Kirulapana.

Awards and Nominations

• Won: ICC T20 World Cup Player of the Series (2009)
• Won: ICC T20I Performance of the Year (2009, for 96* vs. West Indies)
• Won: Man of the Series, multiple series (7 documented, including 2014 vs. England)
• Won: Man of the Match, multiple matches (e.g., 2014 vs. England ODI series)
• Nominated: ICC World ODI XI (2011, alongside Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers) His 2011 World Cup performance (top run-scorer) and innovative Dilscoop earned global recognition.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @tillakaratnedilshan
• Twitter Handle: @OfficialTMDS
• Facebook Handle: @TillakaratneDilshanOfficial

Personal Life

Dilshan resides in Sri Lanka, likely in Colombo or Kalutara. He was first married to Nilanka Vithanage, with whom he has a son, Resadu Tillakaratne. After their divorce, Nilanka, now married to cricketer Upul Tharanga, filed a lawsuit for child alimony.

Dilshan married Sri Lankan actress Manjula Thilini in 2008 during the IPL in India, and they have two daughters (Resandi Linama, Lasadi Dihasansa) and two sons (Dihela Dinhath, one born in 2017). His daughter Limansa Thilakarathna is a rising U19 women’s cricketer.

Dilshan is a Buddhist, converted from Islam at 16, and identifies with his mother’s Sinhalese heritage. He is a popular icon in Sri Lanka, judging Sirasa Superstar and appearing in entertainment shows due to his wife’s fame.

He owns a fashion line, “Dil Scoop,” and a hotel, Hotel D Pavilion Inn. In 2015, he was a brand manager for renal illness awareness campaigns. Dilshan enjoys tennis ball cricket, which inspired the Dilscoop, and avoids major controversies.

Net Worth

Tillakaratne Dilshan’s net worth is estimated at $10–$12 million, derived from his 17-year cricket career, IPL contracts (e.g., Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore), endorsements, and business ventures like Hotel D Pavilion Inn and the “Dil Scoop” fashion line. Sources like PlayersWiki and PopularBio estimate $10 million, while his hotel and political engagements suggest slightly higher wealth.