Crishan Kalugamage: From Sri Lankan Dream to Italy's T20 World Cup Hero

• Crishan Kalugamage, 34, was Player of the Match in Italy's historic 10-wicket T20 World Cup victory against Nepal, taking 3 wickets for 18 runs.
• Originally from Sri Lanka, Kalugamage moved to Italy at 16, working in hotels while pursuing his cricket dream despite the sport's low popularity.
• He started as a fast bowler but transitioned to leg-spin due to injuries and the influence of Roma Cricket Club founder Prabath Ekanayake.
• Kalugamage idolizes Aravinda de Silva, Sanath Jayasuriya, Shane Warne, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Rashid Khan, from whom he learned googlies.
• He left multiple jobs for cricket, currently works at a pizza restaurant, and hopes to pursue full-time cricket after his T20 World Cup success.