New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils team mentor T A Sekar on Tuesday said losing Kevin Pietersen to injury was a big blow but pointed out that the squad has exciting resources to be competitive in the upcoming Indian Premier League which starts in Kolkata from April 3.
"We have received a mail from the England and Wales Cricket Board informing us about KP`s knee injury and the decision to withdraw him from all cricket, including the IPL," Sekar said.
"It is unfortunate to lose a player of KP`s class and it is indeed a big blow. But we believe we have the combination of players to be competitive."
Pietersen was today ruled out of the IPL due to a knee injury which he sustained during the ongoing New Zealand tour.
The ECB said Pietersen experienced knee pain while fielding in preparation for the four-day game in Queenstown ahead of the Test series, which has failed to resolve satisfactorily.
Sekar said since Pietersen was not available to play the full IPL season, the team`s think-tank had planned the squad composition in a careful manner.
"We have the explosive Jesse Ryder, the exciting Andre Russell, the crafty Johan Botha and the big-hitting Jeevan Mendis to draw from," he said.
"We wish KP speedy recovery."
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 20, 2013, 22:17