Khawaja frontrunner to replace Pietersen in RPS

"There is a shortlist we are working through so looking at availability and visas and the likes, but he (Khawaja) is certainly a guy we are interested in," Fleming was quoted by cricket.com.au.

Usman Khawaja was the leading run-scorer for Australia in the recently-concluded World Twenty20.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja is among the frontrunners to replace the injured Kevin Pietersen in the Rising Pune Supergiants squad.

Pietersen was ruled out of the IPL with a calf injury sustained during his side's 13-run defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) Stadium on Friday.

Pune coach Stephen Fleming said that it is looking forward to play Khawaja, who was gone unsold at the IPL auction in February.

"There is a shortlist we are working through so looking at availability and visas and the likes, but he (Khawaja) is certainly a guy we are interested in," Fleming was quoted by cricket.com.au.

Khawaja had displayed an imperious form for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League victory last season. He amassed a total of 342 in four innings he played in the tournament.

He was also the leading run-scorer for Australia in the recently-concluded World Twenty20, averaging 35.75 with a top score of 58.