His excellency Prime Minister McCullum

Given the huge draw that cricket is in India, it was no surprise that Brendon McCullum was part of New Zealand's prime minister John Key's trade delegation during his recent visit to the country.

But did the presence of the inspirational captain create too much of an impression?

At an event to promote New Zealand tourism, in New Delhi, India's minister of culture Mahesh Sharma made a gaffe by addressing Key as "his excellency Prime Minister McCullum". Perhaps it was in the air: Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra, who was also in attendance, later failed to recall Sharma's name while addressing the audience.

While there have been former international cricketers who have become ministers, a PM would be a first.

Wonder if being referred to "his excellency" might tempt McCullum to take a shot.