2016 VIVO IPL Season 09 - Kevin Pietersen injures calf after facing one ball for RPS in defeat to RCB Friday April 22,2016

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen was left reeling after retiring hurt in Rising Pune Supergiants' Indian Premier League defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore.

The Twenty20 specialist had faced just just one delivery from Bangalore's Kane Richardson when a calf injury left him unable to continue. Pietersen later shared a picture of himself in a wheelchair on Instagram.

Kevin Pietersen was called upon with his side 12-1 as they attempted to chase a victory target of 186 at Pune's Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on Friday April 22,2016

The 35-year-old appeared to pick up the problem as he set off for a run having flicked Richardson's delivery into the leg-side, pulling up and having to get back into his crease.

The South African-born batsman was replaced by Steve Smith after Pietersen decided he could not continue.

RPS eventually fell 13 runs short of their victory target, their third defeat in four matches in the competition.

Speaking about Kevin Pietersen's injury after the game, RPS skipper MS Dhoni admitted it may be a 'blessing in disguise' as it would allow them to bring another all-rounder into their side to improve their death bowling.

'KP's injury can be a blessing in disguise. We're playing with six bowlers, yet our death bowling isn't great. Maybe we can look to bring in Albie Morkel or Mitch Marsh in the next game,' he said.