Sports Bulletin of January 13: From Shreyas Iyer Announced PBKS Captain to FC Barcelona Lifting Supercopa de Espana Trophy

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From Shreyas Iyer being announced as the Punjab Kings captain ahead of the IPL 2025 to FC Barcelona lifting the Supercopa de Espana Trophy defeating Real Madrid 2-5 in El Clasico, this time in ISL 2024-25, many things have unfolded in the sports world.

Shreyas Iyer and FC Barcelona's dominating win in El Clasico are dominating the proceedings on a busy Monday (January 13) in the World of Sports. Here are the ten unmissable stories of the day -

1. Shreyas Iyer Announced as Punjab Kings Captain Ahead of IPL 2025

Shreyas Iyer has been named captain of Punjab Kings for IPL 2025, announced during a special segment of Big Boss 18 by Salman Khan. Bought for ₹26.75 crore, Iyer reunites with coach Ricky Ponting, who praised his leadership and game sense. Iyer expressed gratitude, saying, "I look forward to working again with coach Ponting." After leading KKR to an IPL title in 2024, Punjab Kings aim for their first-ever championship under his leadership.

2. 10-man Barcelona Lifts Supercopa de Espana Trophy Running Riot Around Real Madrid in El Clasico

Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid with a 5-2 victory in the Spanish Super Cup final, despite being reduced to ten men after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny's red card. Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring for Madrid, but Barcelona responded with goals from Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha (twice), and Alejandro Balde. This win marks Barcelona's first trophy under manager Hansi Flick.

3. Karun Nair Hits Fourth Century in a Row, Fifth in Total in the Vijay Hazare Trophy

Karun Nair, Vidarbha's skipper and a former Indian triple-centurion, smashed his fifth century in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy, leading his team to the semi-finals. Reflecting on his resurgence, Nair said, "I just wanted to grab this opportunity." His 664 runs, including an unbeaten 122* in the quarterfinal, highlight his determination after a tough career phase. "Everyone wants to play for India; I'm working hard for my chance," he added.

4. Australia Announces Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

Australia announced their Champions Trophy 2025 squad, led by Pat Cummins. Matt Short and Aaron Hardie received maiden ICC call-ups, while Nathan Ellis bolstered the pace attack. Selector George Bailey highlighted the squad's versatility, aiming for Australia's third title after 2006 and 2009 victories.

Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

5. Afghanistan Announces Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

Afghanistan announced their 15-member squad for the Champions Trophy 2025, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi. Ibrahim Zadran returned from injury, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman was excluded to focus on T20s. Interim selector Ahmad Suliman Khil said, "Mujeeb's doctor advised focusing on recovery." The squad features Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi as key players.

Afghanistan Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (captain), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil (wicketkeeper), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

6. South Africa Announces Champions Trophy 2025 Squad

South Africa announced their Champions Trophy 2025 squad, with Temba Bavuma as captain. Fit-again pacers Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi return, joined by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in a strong pace attack. New faces include Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs. More details here.

South Africa Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen

7. Robin Uthappa Reveals Ambati Rayudu Was Snubbed from 2019 ODI World Cup by Virat Kohli

Robin Uthappa revealed that Ambati Rayudu was excluded from India's 2019 ODI World Cup squad because Virat Kohli "didn't like" him. Uthappa stated, "If he [Kohli] didn't like anyone, he didn't feel someone was good, then they were cut. [Ambati] Rayudu is the prime example." Rayudu had been part of India's 2015 World Cup squad and the 2018 Asia Cup-winning team.

8. 10-man Manchester United Knock Arsenal Out of FA Cup in 3rd Round

Manchester United, playing with 10 men, triumphed over Arsenal 2-1 in the FA Cup third round. Goalkeeper Altay Bayindir starred, making crucial saves, including a penalty. United's second-half goals came from Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, while Arsenal's Saka scored a late penalty. Despite their man disadvantage, United's defense held firm. United's coach praised the team's resilience, noting Bayindir's key role.

9. Litton Das Smashes Century in Record-Breaking Night in BPL

Litton Das, dropped from Bangladesh's 2025 Champions Trophy squad, responded with a blistering 44-ball century in the Bangladesh Premier League. His knock of 125* helped Dhaka Capitals defeat Durbar Rajshahi by 149 runs. Alongside Tanzid Hasan (108), they set a BPL record with a 241-run opening partnership. The Capitals posted the highest total in BPL history at 254 runs.

10. Australian Open Day 1 Results

On Day 1 of the 2025 Australian Open, Casper Ruud survived a tense match against Jaume Munar, rallying from two sets down to win 6-1 in the fifth. Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka made a dominant start, defeating Sloane Stephens 6-3, 6-2. Other notable results included Kei Nishikori's emotional comeback, and Reilly Opelka's strong performance.