The Indian cricket team today celebrated the nation's 71st Independence Day at Pallekele with captain Virat Kohli hoisting the tricolour in the presence of the entire squad. Kohli also wished his countrymen back home on the occasion and said 15th August has always been special for him since childhood as the day is also his father's birthday. The 15-member Indian squad, alongside the support staff were in attendance as Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri stepped ahead and unfurled the national flag. The flag hoisting ceremony was followed by the National Anthem. The Indian cricket team, which whitewashed hosts Sri Lanka 3-0 in the three-match Test series yesterday, is now gearing up for five ODIs and one-off Twenty20 game. The first 50-over encounter between the two teams is slated to be held in Dambulla on August 20.