Indian Premier League: Delhi Daredevils skipper Kevin Pietersen suffers injury scare

Delhi Daredevils skipper Kevin Pietersen is reportedly fighting hard to be 100 percent fit, just three days ahead of the Indian Premier League 2014.

Pietersen has already joined the rest of the squad and is training with them at the Palam Air Force ground. With a heavy bandage on the ring and the little fingers of his right hand, the sacked England batsman has not indulged in full-fledged batting in nets.(Delhi Daredevils launch latest jersey)

The Times of India quoted a Delhi Daredevils source as saying, "KP has a fractured finger. That is why he isn't taking an active part in the drills. A well-known doctor has been called to attend on him but he will only meet him in the UAE. He is supposed to be treated there so he can recover faster and take part in the first match. But he is certainly racing against time. It could be touch and go for the first couple of matches." (Important to rebuild entire Delhi Daredevils' squad: Gary Kirsten)

While the injury does put a cloud over Pietersen's availability at the start of the season, the player himself had earlier played it down.

"It's a niggle but I am wearing the gear to make sure I don't hurt it any further while shaking hands," Pietersen told the Times of India.

After being axed by the England and Wales Cricket Board, Pietersen had turned his entire focus on the Indian Premier League and has even expressed delight at being able to play cricket again.

Pietersen has already missed two complete seasons of the IPL due to injury (for Deccan Chargers in 2011 and Delhi Daredevils in 2013) and will be keen to shrug off any niggles and take the T20 event by storm.

The Daredevils are scheduled to play their first match of the seventh edition of the IPL against the Royal Challengers Bangalore in Sharjah and the franchise, which had spent a whopping Rs 9 crore on the flamboyant Pietersen, would hope that their star batsman is ready in time for the opener. (Click here for fixtures)