Sarfaraz Khan joins RCB's growing injury list

RCB head coach Daniel Vettori has confirmed that young Sarfaraz will be unavailable for selection after he suffered an injury during a practice session. While the seriousness of the injury has not been confirmed, Sarfaraz could end up missing the entire season.

"Owing to a leg injury during the final Bangalore-based practice match session, Sarfaraz Khan will most likely be unavailable to play as a part of the RCB squad this IPL and we are evaluating the same with the BCCI," Vettori told royalchallengers.com.

"His absence will be definitely felt on-field and we wish him a speedy recovery."

Vettori also confirmed that De Villiers would miss the season opener, a rematch of last season's final, against Sunrisers. However, the former Kiwi captain said that the move was a precaution to give the 33-year-old time to recover from the back injury he suffered in South Africa. The Kiwi did confirm that AB is in contention to play the first home game of the season, against Delhi Daredevils.

"AB De Villiers has traveled well. However he still has some minor discomfort and we felt that couple of days off would be best before we have him back in action," Vettori said. "We hope to see him on the field in good form by the 8th April against Delhi Daredevils."