Sunny skies and a soothing breeze welcome the Indians during their practice session at the Clydesdale Cricket Club © Siddhartha Vaidyanathan

It's a bank holiday back home but the cricket team, currently in Glasgow, had a relaxed practice session in the picturesque Clydesdale Cricket Club. The rains that had come down over the last few days kept away and the team were greeted by sunny skies and a soothing breeze. There were Independence Day greetings all around, with Chandu Borde, the manager of the side and the only one here who actually witnessed the moment 60 years ago, leading the way. "How can I forget that day," he beamed when asked about India's tryst with destiny. "I was 13 years old and didn't understand what they were talking. We all felt we were independent as kids so it was confusing to hear that there was an Independence Day." A fatherly chuckle. "But yes, I carried an Indian flag all day and ran around the streets of Pune. I knew it was a big moment but didn't know why."

Borde has been the lucky charm for the Indian team over the years. "After my playing days I have been with the team in different capacities. But never have they lost. The luck continues."



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Clydesdale is the oldest surviving sports club in Glasgow, formed as early as 1848. The ground was inaugurated in 1902, Mike Stanger, the chairman of the club, informs us. Nestled in a scenic part of Pollockshields, the club is estimated to hold around 2000 people and is one among several charming cricket venues one sees around the British Isles. More on this over the next couple of days.

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