Dilscoop will keep my name alive: Tillakaratne Dilshan

Wednesday, 12 September 2012 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Times of India, MUMBAI: Tillakaratne Dilshan redefined the art of batting in Twenty20 cricket with dazzling stroke play in the 2009 World T20 in England. His innovative and attacking shots rattled bowlers and often left them confused against the patented scoop shot over the ‘keeper’s head.

In an exclusive chat with TOI, the destructive Sri Lankan opener spoke on ‘Dilscoop’, his preparations for the forthcoming World T20 in Sri Lanka and the reason behind the attacking batsman that he is. Excerpts.

Q: Dilshan and Dilscoop almost go hand-in-hand. How did you invent this shot?

A: I played a lot of tennis ball cricket in Sri Lanka and on the streets sometimes there’s not much option to hit on either side of the wicket. I targeted the spot over the ‘keeper’s head as a convenient area to score runs from. First came the paddle scoop where you make room to lift the ball over the fine leg fielder. But I found it becoming common. Then I worked hard on my shot to make it even finer to scoop it directly over the ‘keeper’s head. It took me a couple of years to perfect the shot.

Q: So, when did you get the confidence to play it in international cricket?

A: I attempted it a couple of times in IPL 1, but it came to life in 2009 World T20 and during IPL 2. I remember once scooping directly over Gilchrist’s head in Durban and it sort of spooked him out (laughs).

Q: You scored 11 hundreds and also won the Player of the Series in the 2009 World T20, how did that feel?

A: I have always wanted to do something special. Millions of people watch cricket and I wanted to have a special place for myself in their hearts. People forget a player after he retires. But I will continue to live through ‘Dilscoop’. That’s why I created this new shot. It totally changed my batting style and gave me a lot of confidence.

Q: Any special moment with Dilscoop?

A: I played the Dilscoop against all teams. But the special moment has to be the game against Australia at Trent Bridge. I was facing Shane Watson and the very first ball I scooped for a six.

Q: A lot of international players are now trying the Dilscoop...

A: (Laughs) Yes, but what they end up playing is the paddle sweep towards fine leg. I haven’t seen any one perfect the placement over the keeper’s head. Because for that you have to come to the front foot, get inside the line of the ball and then lift it backwards...Only some local Sri Lankan players in the SLPL have done it perfectly.

Q: After 2009 you seem to have cut down on the shot

A: Over the years my role and responsibility in the team has grown. That’s why, while opening, I don’t take much chances in the first 10 overs. I played the Dilscoop during the SLPL and, hopefully, there will be plenty of it in World T20.

Q: Does playing at home make Sri Lanka the favourites for the World T20?

A: We lost in 2009 final. But we have made good progress in all the editions. We have a balanced squad and Mahela (Jayawardene) is a good skipper.

Q: Will Lankan wickets assist spinners?

A: During SLPL, the fast bowlers took more wickets. But to come good in T20, every team has to be spot on in all three departments. That’s the key.