An old knee injury which recurred during a warm-up match at Queenstown in New Zealand has put paid to Pietersen's hopes of playing in the IPL. He as also been ruled out of the third Test against New Zealand which begins on Friday.
Pietersen provided cut and thrust to Daredevils' bid in IPL 5, especially in the first half of the league before he went away to do England duty. His absence will leave a big hole in Delhi batting line-up.
"The way he batted for us in the last season said it all. It's a huge setback but the team has to move on. We are yet to take a call on who will be the replacement," a top Delhi official said on Wednesday.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a press statement that the knee pain was confirmed after a medical scan and Pietersen was subsequently ruled out of the IPL.
"Recent medical scans confirm an injury to the right knee with bone bruising and possible cartilage damage to the kneecap. The 32-year-old will return to England for further investigations and specialist review," ECB said in a statement.
"The injury is likely to require ongoing assessments and possibly rest and rehabilitation for six to eight weeks. Pietersen has therefore withdrawn from all cricket including the Indian Premier League," it added.
The injury could not have come at a worse time for Pietersen as by missing out on IPL this year, he could lose around $1.3m.
KP in IPL 5: Matches 13, Innings 12, Not Out 3, Runs 384, Highest 103*, Average 42.66, 50s 2.
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