Is Team India looking to make Rishabh Pant their new vice-captain in Tests? Well, the reports certainly say so. Pant and, interestingly, Yashasvi Jaiswal’s name have popped up after the question mark lingers on Rohit Sharma’s future as an India player. Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer, who became the Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain, has put forward his wish to play in the ICC Champions Trophy. Meanwhile, January 13 saw the completion of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) draft 2025, where both David Warner and Kane Williamson found their home in Karachi Kings. On that note, let us look at the top-most cricketing stories from January 13, Monday.

IPL 2025 > PSL 2025?
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the biggest T20 franchise tournament. While some Pakistan fans would disagree, the moolah value it carries is just too much for PSL to match. However, during the PSL 2025 draft, a major misshap happened by Pakistan’s former legendary captain Zaheer Abbas. During his speech just before the PSL draft, he mistakenly called PSL the “IPL”. “I wish IPL (PSL) to do very well, as they are always doing very well for Pakistan,” said Abbas. Check squads for all PSL 2025 teams here.

Rishabh Pant new vice-captain?
The Indian cricket team is undergoing a transition, particularly in the Test format. With Rohit Sharma’s captaincy tenure ending (seemingly), Jasprit Bumrah is likely to take over. The vice captain’s spot is now up for grabs, with Rishabh Pant and Yashasvi Jaiswal in contention. It is unclear why Jaiswal’s name is in contention but Pant looks like a solid candidate.

Shreyas Iyer wants ICC Champions Trophy
Ever since he was snubbed by BCCI from their central contract, Shreyas Iyer has delivered and how! He won several domestic trophies and also led KKR to their third IPL title. He broke all the charts when the Punjab Kings (PBKS) splashed Rs 26.75 crore on him before making him the captain. But now, Iyer eyes to play the ICC Champions Trophy. His best format is indeed 50-over cricket and fans would hope that BCCI selects him as India’s permanent number four batter.

SRH reunion in PSL?
Karachi Kings made some solid draft picks during the PSL 2025 draft on Monday. They bagged two of the best cricketers of their generation, David Warner and Kane Williamson. The New Zealander went unpicked in the platinum round but was swooped in later on. This is indeed a Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) reunion. Every IPL fan knows how the SRH management chopped and changed the captaincy between the two before phasing Warner out of the team. Another former SRH player who joined Karachi Kings is Mohammad Nabi. All will play under Shan Masood’s captaincy.

Should VVS Laxman replace Gambhir?
Gautam Gambhir has had a horrendous start as Team India’s head coach. Under him, India lost an ODI series in Sri Lanka after 27 years followed by a first-ever at home against New Zealand. Now, recently India lost the BGT after a decade. His credentials as Test coach have been heavily criticised. Due to this, former England spinner Monty Panesar thinks that Gambhir isn’t capable enough to coach in red-ball cricket. Instead, he namedrops someone like VVS Laxman for the role.

India Open starts now!
The India Open Super 750 tournament kicks off on Tuesday, featuring India’s largest-ever contingent. Top players PV Sindhu, Lakshya Sen, and the duo of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty will be in the spotlight. However, they’re currently struggling with form, making this tournament a crucial opportunity to bounce back. With home support, they’ll aim to end India’s drought of titles at the India Open, which has seen no Indian winners in the last two editions.
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