'Hope you don't mind'- Shubman Gill earns a catchy nickname from Indian cricket legend

Shubman Gill Sunil Gavaskar (Image source: Twitter)

Young India batter Shubman Gill has been in a sensational run of form lately. The right-hand batter hit 116 against Sri Lanka in the 3^rd ODI and backed it up with a sensational double century (208) in the very next match against New Zealand.

Naturally, there has been a hoard of oncoming praise towards the young batter for his talent and skill with the bat. Not just fans but many former players have become ardent admirers of the 23-year-old. Sunil Gavaskar, India’s cricketing legend is one such fan who has been massively impressed with Gill.

So much so that he gave him a nickname in the post-match interview. “I have given you a new nickname, Smoothman Gill. I hope you don’t mind,” said Gavaskar while talking to Gill.

Hearing massive praise from a legend, Gill was all smiles and slightly embarrassed and he responded with, “I don’t mind at all, sir.”

All round domination from India against New Zealand

As for India vs New Zealand match, India's fast bowlers dominated New Zealand's batting lineup in the second ODI, leading to an easy 8-wicket victory for the home team and sealing the three-match series. The Mohammed Shami-led attack bowled out New Zealand for just 108 runs, and India then easily chased down the target in 20.1 overs.

Rohit Sharma hit a solid 50 runs and Shubman Gill remained unbeaten with 40 runs. Although it was a convincing win, the huge crowd at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, which was hosting its first international game, was left disappointed by the quick end to the match. Shami and Mohammed Siraj made life difficult for the New Zealand batters with their high-quality seam bowling, reducing them to just 15-5 after India chose to bowl. The third and final ODI will take place in Indore on Tuesday.

Furthermore, New Zealand have also slid down the ODI rankings after their back-to-back loss against India. Australia have now taken the top spot.