Kevin Pietersen hopeful of returning to action this week

Kevin Pietersen is hopeful that he will feature for the Delhi Daredevils this week after missing the side's two opening Indian Premier League matches with a finger injury.

The 33-year-old, who was recently dropped from the England squad, signed for Delhi for a bid in the region of £880,000 in February.

Pietersen, who suffered the injury during pre-season with county side Surrey, replied to a Twitter user claiming that he will not undergo surgery and is closing in on a return.

The batsman tweeted: "I'll play this week hopefully! Pain is weakness leaving the body!"

Delhi's next fixture is against Chennai Super Kings at Zayed Cricket Stadium.