Maidans are large expanses of playing fields hosting multiple, impromptu games. There are several well-known maidans in Mumbai, with the Oval perhaps the best known. It's located just yards from the last, south-bound railway station, Churchgate, in the most expensive part of the city: South Mumbai. What makes the Oval Maidan so special is the wonderful backdrop of the architecturally impressive Mumbai High court and University of Mumbai (Bombay).

Typically, you will several games of cricket being played by kids on maidans throughout Mumbai, along with locals lounging, walking and even sleeping on the grassy fields. I took these shots during the summer (rainy season) and was surprised to see football games out-numbering cricket. The standard of the footie was poor by my reckoning but the grounds were bumpy, waterlogged in some areas. However, this was made up by the tremendous enthusiasm of the players. Look closely, and you can also see the vast difference in the financial clout of the kids enjoying themselves, this is the modern India.