New Delhi, April 28: After Rising Pune Supergiants (RPS) batsman Faf du Plessis being ruled out of action for 6 weeks due to a broken finger from the remainder of Indian Premier League 2016 (IPL 9), Australia's batting sensation Usman Khawaja has replaced him.

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"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.

"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.

"And so my Ipl tournament unfortunately comes to and end.Broken finger and out for 6 weeks. Thanx India and @RPSupergiants it's been fun.👌🏼," Du Plessis wrote on his Twitter page on Thursday evening.

The right-handed opener is the second player Pune are losing due to an injury. Earlier, former England captain Kevin Pietersen was ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury.

In 6 matches so far this season, Du Plessis scored 206 runs with 2 half centuries. His highest score was 69.

OneIndia News

(With inputs from agencies)