The Royal Challengers Bangalore were on Tuesday dealt a blow as all-rounder Jacques Kallis has been ruled out of the Champions League Twenty20 due to a neck injury.
On Cricket South Africa's (CSA) advice, the Indian franchise released Kallis taking into account his commitments with the national side.
"Kallis is carrying a neck injury that has affected his lower cervical and upper thoracic spine. As a result Cricket South Africa's medical team have advised him rest to recover for the country's upcoming international commitments," Bangalore team management said.
They said a replacement would be announced soon, and England batsman Kevin Pietersen seems to be the most likely candidate.
Kallis starred for Bangalore in their first game, taking 3-16 and scoring 43 not out to win the Man-of-the-Match award against Guyana. The all-rounder missed the team's second match against South Australia Redbacks due to a back injury, and failed to make a notable score during Bangalore's defeat against Mumbai Indians.