What Sir Donald Bradman's Indian fans lack in numbers as compared to their Australian or English counterparts, they make up in terms of passion. Ask Vasai-resident Kumar J Sonavaria, 69, who is possibly the only non-cricketer/journalist from India to meet the great Australian in his post-playing days. Bradman, whose 111th birth anniversary falls today, welcomed Sonavaria to his home in Adelaide in early 1986 when Sonavaria was part of a Cricket Club of India (CCI) team as their coordinator.

He recalled: "After our match which was played at a ground [Parkinson Oval] next to Bradman's home, I went to the bar and noticed a frame of Sir Don. I asked the lady in charge of the bar who this man was. She couldn't believe I didn't know. Of course, I knew who he was, but I kept pulling her leg until she told me that I wouldn't get another beer unless I identify him. When we ended our little joke, I asked her where Sir Don lived. 'Leave this building, walk on the left, take the second left turn… the second bungalow,' she said."