Published: Apr 26, 2016, 03:43 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 26, 2016, 03:44 PM (IST)
Usman Khawaja is set to replace injured Kevin Pietersen in Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) for the remainder of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016. This will be his debut appearance in IPL. Although there is no confirmation on his inclusion in the squad, according to sources close to the franchise, it was no one but Khawaja who has been their option for Pietersen’s replacement. Despite having an excellent season in Big Bash, Khawaja went unsold in IPL 2016 auction. RPS who started off their 2016 campaign with a win have lost the next four matches so they are desperate to win the rest of the games in order to make it to the final four.
Though no official comment has come from RPS regarding Khawaja, Telegraph sources have confirmed the Australian as Pietersen’s replacement.
Pietersen injured his calf muscle during RPS’s clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore and was ruled out of the tournament. “Over & out, India! Injuries are all part of the job! Horrible tear in my calf! Sad to be leaving a really great bunch of boys but looking forward to being back with my family! London bound for a summer off! Vacation till November! Bye for now! Lots of love, KP,” Pietersen said on instagram.
Pietersen who came in to bat at No.3 in the second over against Royal Challengers, and faced only one ball before he retired hurt and had to be carried off the field. He attempted a single but hurt his calf muscle after turning to get back into his crease.
