| Player: | TM Dilshan |
With his utility qualities, Tillekeratne Dilshan has been a Sri Lankan bulwark in both forms of the game in the new millennium. As a middle order batsman Dilshan is technically correct and is a natural stroke player. His off spinning opportunities have been restricted in Tests thanks largely to the presence of Muthiah Muralitharan but in ODIs he has more than proved his mettle, getting through his quota of overs quickly and economically with the odd wicket thrown in. As a fielder he is in a class of his own excelling at the pivotal cover point position where he makes miraculous stops and has picked up outstanding catches. His work in the field is symbolized by his brilliance in the first final of the 2005-06 VB Series when he effected four run outs. Overall there is little doubt that Dilshans ubiquitous capabilities are more suited to limited overs cricket where he has an overall strike rate of over 78 but thanks to his dynamism he has also proved his worth in Tests, four centuries, scores of 168 and 163 not out (in only his second Test) and an average in the late 30s testifying to this.