Cape Town: Kings XI Punjab fast bowler Sree Santh is hoping to be back playing for his team in the Indian Premier League in early May.

The India paceman has been sidelined by a stress fracture in his lower back but is with the rest of the Punjab squad in South Africa.

Initially, the 26-year-old right-armer was not expected to play in the tournament, having said earlier this month he was traveling to South Africa as his team's "cheerleader."

But on Sunday he said: "I hope to be playing by early May. I'm here trying to recover. But I don't want to rush it. I'm taking it easy." Making it clear he wanted to play in the IPL, he added: "It's fantastic - the crowds, good wickets, and the super competition."

The IPL finishes on May 24 with the final in Johannesburg.