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Rising Pune Supergiants were dealt a telling blow as star batsman Faf du Plessis announced he is out of the ninth edition of Indian Premier League due to a fractured finger, which will take six weeks to heal.
The South African right-handed batsman is Pune Supergiants's second big casualty after former England batsman Kevin Pietersen, who was ruled out due to a calf muscle injury.
Confirm the development on Twitter he posted: "And so my Ipl tournament unfortunately comes to an end.
"Broken finger and out for 6 weeks.Thanx India and @RPSupergiants it's been fun," he tweeted.
Du Plessis is Supergiants's second-highest scorer, with 206 runs, at an average of 34.33, from six matches.
He scored back-to-back fifties against Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab, both of which were in losing causes.
If Du Plessis is out of action for six weeks, he could also miss South Africa's tri-nation ODI series involving the West Indies and Australia.
Khawaja drafted in as replacement
Meanwhile, Australia's batting sensation Usman Khawaja has replaced injured Du Plessis.
"One of our mainstays Du Plessis has injured his finger during the course of the last match and has returned to South Africa for further treatment. We wish him speedy recovery," coach Stephen Fleming said in a statement.
"We are glad to have roped in Usman Khawaja in the team. His presence will definitely be an advantage to the team and could be pivotal in bolstering the position of the side in the tournament," he added. Khawaja, who also opens for Australia, has been in great
form in the T20 format with his exploits in the Big Bash League.
He was also the leading run-scorer for Australia in the recently-concluded World T20, averaging 35.75 with a top score of 58.
"His imperious form for the Sydney Thunders in the Big Bash League victory last season and being the leading run-scorer for Australia, for the recently-concluded World T20, has made us sit up and notice. His style of play is perfect for the T20 format," Fleming said.
Image: Faf du Plessis of Rising Pune Supergiants
Photograph: BCCI