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Royal Challengers Bangalore will miss the services of Mitchell Starc for the start of the IPL.
The Australia pacer, player of the recent cricket World Cup, will be out for up to three weeks after suffering a minor knee injury.
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The 25-year-old left-arm paceman climbed to the top of the One-day international rankings for bowlers after taking 22 wickets in Australia's World Cup-winning campaign, but suffered a left knee niggle during the closing stages.
Starc's injury adds to RCB's bowling woes, as Adam Milne, another new recruit, is also in doubt. The New Zealand pacer was ruled out of the World Cup with an injury.
The Virat Kohli-led side will be banking on Varun Aaron, Ashoke Dinda and Sydney Sixers pacer Sean Abbott.
Abbott, the recipient of the 'Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year' award, who was brought by the Vijay Mallya-owned franchise in the February auction is set to make his debut this season.
The eighth edition of the T20 league kicks-off on April 8. Royal Challengers play their opening game on April 11 against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
"Mitchell had some knee soreness during the later stages of the World Cup," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in a report on Cricket Australia's website.
"He will have a short period off to rest and recover before being reassessed by CA medical staff.
"We estimate his recovery time will be between two-three weeks."
Australia will hope to have a fully fit Starc for their tours to the Caribbean and England in June and July. The team will play two Tests against the West Indies in June before the five-Test Ashes series starts in England in July.
