Kevin Pietersen will be out of action for Rising Pune Supergiants for at least two weeks of the IPL after injuring his calf in last night’s defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Pietersen had to be helped off the field after attempting a quick single on his first delivery faced at the MCA Stadium in Pune. The former England batsman later tweeted to South African golfer Ernie Els he will be out for “a few weeks now”.

Pune have six matches over the next two weeks and Pietersen’s absence will give more playing time to South Africa’s Albie Morkel or Australian Mitchell Marsh.

Captain MS Dhoni said: ”KP’s injury can be a blessing in disguise. We’re playing with six bowlers, yet our death bowling isn’t great. Maybe we can look to bring in Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh for the next match.”