Tillakaratne Dilshan is one of the most exciting cricketers Sri Lanka has ever produced. You might know him for his fearless batting or the famous “Dilscoop” shot that changed the game forever. But how much is this cricket legend actually worth today?
In this article, you will know Tillakaratne Dilshan’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Tillakaratne Dilshan’s Biography
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan |
| Date of Birth | October 14, 1976 |
| Age | 49 Years |
| Education | Kalutara Vidyalaya, Jaffna Sinhala Madya Maha Vidyalaya |
| Nationality | Sri Lankan (Holds Dual Citizenship with Australia) |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 73 kg (approx) |
| Turned Pro | 1999 (Test Debut) |
| Net Worth | $10 Million (Estimated) |
| Income Source | Cricket Leagues, Hotel Business, Politics |
| Wife | Manjula Thilini |
| Social Media | Instagram, Twitter (X) |
Early Career
He was born in Kalutara to a family from a modest background. His father served in the police force, and the family faced financial challenges during his childhood.
Dilshan initially attended Jaffna Sinhala Madya Maha Vidyalaya for his primary education before moving to Kalutara Vidyalaya, where his cricket journey truly began.
He started his domestic career as a lower-order batsman and an occasional off-spin bowler. Unlike many players who are groomed for stardom early, Dilshan had to fight for his spot.
He played for clubs like Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club in Sri Lanka’s domestic league. His aggressive style caught the eye of selectors in the late 1990s.
He made his Test debut against Zimbabwe in 1999 and scored an unbeaten 163, which was a dream start. However, he struggled to keep his place in the side for several years due to inconsistent form.
Professional Career
Dilshan’s career really took off when he was promoted to open the batting in 2009. This move changed everything for him and Sri Lankan cricket. He became a nightmare for bowlers because he could hit the ball to all parts of the ground.
During the 2009 ICC T20 World Cup, he introduced the “Dilscoop,” a shot where he ramped the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head. This innovation made him a global superstar and helped him win the Player of the Series award.
He played 87 Test matches, scoring over 5,400 runs, and 330 ODIs, where he amassed more than 10,000 runs. He also captained Sri Lanka in all formats, though his stint as captain was challenging.
Apart from batting, he was a brilliant fielder and a handy bowler who took over 100 ODI wickets. After retiring from international cricket in 2016, he continued to play in various legends leagues and T20 tournaments around the world, showing that age is just a number.
Wife
Dilshan is married to Manjula Thilini, who is a well-known actress in Sri Lanka. The couple got married in 2008 in a ceremony celebrated in India during the IPL. They have a lovely family with four children.
They have two daughters named Resandi Linama and Lasadi Dihasansa. Their two sons are named Dihela Dinhath and Dishal. Manjula is often seen supporting Dilshan at his matches and business events.
Tillakaratne Dilshan’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Tillakaratne Dilshan has an estimated net worth of $10 million.
Contract
During his playing days, Dilshan had a central contract with Sri Lanka Cricket that paid him a significant annual retainer.
However, the biggest boost to his bank balance came from franchise cricket. He played for teams like Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL.
In recent years, he has signed contracts with “Legends” tournaments and the United Democratic Voice political party in Sri Lanka, which marks his entry into a new field.
Salary
Dilshan does not earn a regular monthly salary like a contracted international player anymore. Instead, he earns from specific appearances. In the IPL, he commanded huge fees, earning over ₹30 million per season at his peak.
Currently, his income flows from his luxury hotel, “D Pavilion Inn,” and his fashion line. He also likely earns appearance fees for cricket commentary and participating in retired players’ leagues.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Delhi Daredevils | ₹ 10,040,000 |
| 2009 | Delhi Daredevils | ₹ 12,280,000 |
| 2010 | Delhi Daredevils | ₹ 11,572,500 |
| 2011 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 29,900,000 |
| 2012 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 32,675,500 |
| 2013 | Royal Challengers Bangalore | ₹ 34,625,500 |
| Total | ₹ 131,093,500 |
Career Stats
| Format | Matches | Runs | Highest Score | Batting Avg | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 87 | 5492 | 193 | 40.98 | 39 |
| ODI | 330 | 10290 | 161* | 39.27 | 106 |
| T20I | 80 | 1889 | 104* | 28.19 | 9 |
| IPL | 52 | 1153 | 76* | 26.81 | 5 |
FAQs
1. What is Tillakaratne Dilshan’s net worth?
Dilshan’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. He built this wealth through his cricket salary, IPL contracts, and businesses like his hotel in Colombo.
2. Who is Tillakaratne Dilshan’s wife?
He is married to Manjula Thilini, a popular Sri Lankan actress. They married and have four children together, including two sons and two daughters.
3. Did Tillakaratne Dilshan invent the Dilscoop shot?
Yes, he is credited with inventing the “Dilscoop.” He developed this unique shot to hit the ball over the wicketkeeper’s head during the 2009 T20 World Cup.
4. Is Tillakaratne Dilshan involved in politics now?
Yes, he entered active politics recently. In late 2024, he joined the “United Democratic Voice” party and was appointed as their national organizer to contest parliamentary elections.
5. Does Tillakaratne Dilshan have dual citizenship?
There have been reports and discussions about him holding Australian citizenship. This became a topic of debate when he decided to enter the Sri Lankan political arena.
