The Royal Challengers Bangalore will have to make do without the services of Mitchell Starc for the opening stages of this year's Indian Premier League.

The Australian bowler, who was named the Player of the Tournament at the recent Cricket World Cup, has picked up a knee injury.

"Mitchell had some knee soreness during the latter stages of the World Cup," Australia physio Alex Kountouris told Cricket Australia's official website.

"He will have a short period off to rest and recover, before being reassessed by CA medical staff. We estimate his recovery time will be between two and three weeks."

RCB get their campaign underway on April 11 against the Kolkata Knight Riders.