The T20 World Cup is here, and Italy is ready to surprise! When asked about the uncanny similarities between bowling leg-spin and crafting a perfect pizza, Crishan Kalugamage winks and says, "It's all about the fingertips." This witty observation perfectly encapsulates the unique journey of this Italian cricket team.
Kalugamage, who arrived in Tuscany from Sri Lanka at the tender age of 15, is one of five players in Italy's 15-man squad who were born and raised in the country. A naturally athletic young man, he found his footing in cricket through amateur games near his adopted hometown of Lucca. His innate talent quickly caught the eye, leading him to join Roma Cricket Club, one of Italy's most historic cricketing institutions.
Now 34, Kalugamage's path to playing in front of thousands at iconic venues like Kolkata's Eden Gardens and Mumbai's Wankhede, with millions more watching globally, has been paved with significant sacrifices. His passion for cricket often meant his day job as a pizza maker took a backseat. "I lost a lot of jobs," he admits with a rueful smile. "Sundays are incredibly busy, and many employers weren't thrilled about me taking time off to play cricket."
But here's where it gets truly fascinating: Italy's head coach, John Davison, affectionately known as 'The Spin Whisperer,' describes Kalugamage as a "very dangerous weapon." He elaborates, "He can spin it sharply both ways, and he'll have the element of surprise. Hardly anyone in the tournament will have faced him before." Davison, a renowned spin coach who has mentored the likes of Nathan Lyon, understands the nuances of spin bowling perhaps better than anyone.
And this is the part most people miss: While Kalugamage might have hung up his pizza-making apron for now, his potent googly, rather than a 'Sloppy Giuseppe,' is poised to trouble the batters of Group C (England, Scotland, Nepal, and West Indies). It's a remarkable testament to his dedication and skill.
Interestingly, none of the 15 squad members were born in Italy, and only a handful are fluent in Italian. Many players qualify for the team through Italian passports or by having relatives with Italian heritage. This approach has, understandably, raised some eyebrows, with some questioning the Italian Cricket Federation's strategy of casting such a wide net instead of focusing on nurturing local talent.
Adding another layer to this diverse squad is South African-born all-rounder JJ Smuts. While he boasts international experience for South Africa (six ODIs and 16 T20Is between 2017 and 2021), he'll be representing Italy based on his marriage, despite never having set foot in the country.
Captain Wayne Madsen, speaking before their opening match against Scotland (a game that unfortunately saw him dislocate his shoulder and his team suffer a significant defeat), acknowledges the differing opinions. "People can have their opinion, but we've got a real togetherness," he asserts. The 42-year-old South African-born batter, who also captains Derbyshire, brings a wealth of global cricketing experience. However, he emphasizes the unique bond forged within this Italian squad. "That heritage and the journeys that guys have gone on to get here, there's a bond which is pretty hard to describe outside of the feeling that we get as a group," he explains. "It really is probably our biggest strength. Everyone's got a story to tell in terms of how they got to this position, and everyone's is unique. Whether it's guys who have grown up in Italy or guys with grandparents who moved away many years ago. We've had some really powerful conversations; it has really bonded us."
For both Madsen and Davison, achieving success in this tournament is more than just winning games; it's about laying the foundation for cricket's future in Italy. "We want to win games, and we know and believe that we can. If we can finish in the top eight, that'll change the lives of a lot of our cricketers and put Italian cricket on the map," Madsen states optimistically. "I think for us, the main thing is leaving a legacy in Italy and the platform to develop the game further in the country."
Here's a surprising fact: For some members of the squad, the prospect of playing in front of a massive crowd is entirely new. Davison shares that during a training session at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, it was the first time Pakistani-born and Italian-raised left-arm seamer Hassan Ali had ever been inside any cricket stadium.
To prepare for these high-pressure environments, the players have been working with Dr. Andrew Hooton, Head of the School of Sports and Exercise Science at the University of Derby. Dr. Hooton, who has prior experience with Madsen and Micky Arthur at Derbyshire and Burton Albion Football Club, highlights the unique challenges. "Some of the squad definitely haven't had experience of playing in a big stadium, under lights with huge crowds," he notes. "One of the things I've been working with them on is being able to perform their skills and maintain their basics in this heightened scenario." He further explains their work on "centering," a mental technique akin to a footballer taking a penalty. "Like when you see Ronaldo before he takes a free-kick or penalty, he closes his eyes and does a whole body breath. It allows for attentional focus but also helps to guard against nerves and anxiety. It's physical as well as mental."
Davison also points out that the 33,000-seater Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai is sold out for their second game against Nepal. "The ICC give us about 75 tickets for friends and family, that leaves a heck of a lot of supporters for us to win over, but we'll be giving it our best shot."
Madsen reiterates their ambition: "We have a platform to take cricket further, to take it to another level. We've got the players to make that happen, and we're dreaming high. We aren't just here to make up the numbers; we can take sides down."
As pizza maker Kalugamage smiles beside his captain, he surreptitiously flicks his fingers. The next chapter of their extraordinary journey is about to begin. What do you think about teams built with players from diverse backgrounds? Does it enhance the sport, or does it dilute national identity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
