Dubai: Former England star Kevin Pietersen, captain of the Delhi Daredevils team, sported a heavy bandage on the ring and little fingers of his right hand when he arrived for a practice session at the ICC Academy here on Sunday.
Sunil Valson, the former India pace bowler who is now Associate Vice President of franchise owners GMR Sports as well as media manager of the team, told Gulf News: “Pietersen has injured his finger while practising but he will be fit in time for the matches. He is resting his hand to prevent any aggravation.”
Despite a bandaged hand, he indulged in warm-up exercises and was seen giving tips to some youngsters. He also posed with anyone who asked for a snap with him.
Pietersen participated in the drills but did not indulge in taking catches or any intense fielding. He was also examined by a doctor immediately on arrival. Before leaving India, reporters asked Pietersen about the injury and he joked: “It’s a niggle but I am wearing the gear to make sure I don’t hurt it any further while shaking hands.”
Pietersen has lost weight and that surprised many who came to watch him in action, when he looked fit and raring to go. After being sidelined by the England team, he has trained his attentions on the IPL and is keen to lead the Delhi Daredevils to the title in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), which begins in the UAE on Wednesday.
The South Africa-born star has missed two complete seasons of the IPL due to injury — when contracted to the Deccan Chargers in 2011 and Delhi Daredevils in 2013 — and hence will be keen to ensure that injury does not stop him again.
Delhi open their campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah on Friday.
