Pietersen tore calf playing in IPL for Rising Pune Supergiants
Saturday 23 April 2016 20:40, UK
Kevin Pietersen will be out of action until November after tearing a calf muscle while playing in the Indian Premier League.
Pietersen had to be helped from the field after facing just one ball of Rising Pune Supergiants' defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday evening.
The ex-England star underwent a scan on Saturday, when it was confirmed he will miss the rest of the IPL season as well as the Caribbean Premier League this summer.
The 35-year-old wrote on his Instagram account: "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, KPxxx."
England's Test-match batting coach, Mark Ramprakash, told Sky Sports: "These injuries are a worry and he has a few miles on the clock, so it's probably wise he gives himself a good chunk of time to get super fit and motivated."
Speaking about Pietersen's injury on Friday, Pune skipper MS Dhoni admitted it may be a "blessing in disguise" as it would allow him to bring another all-rounder into his side and improve their bowling.
"KP's injury can be a blessing in disguise. We're playing with six bowlers, yet our death bowling isn't great," he said. "Maybe we can look to bring in Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh in the next game."
Watch full coverage of the IPL on Sky Sports, including Sunday's double-header on Sky Sports 5 - Gujarat Lions versus Royal Challengers Bangalore (11am) and Rising Pune Supergiants against Kolkata Knight Riders (3pm).
