Kings XI Punjab have included Sri Lankan all-rounder Nuwan Kulasekera as replacement for Australian Shaun Marsh.

The southpaw opener injured his left hamstring during his country's ongoing one-day series against Pakistan and will fly home on Thursday from the United Arab Emirates.

The injury was a big blow for King's XI Punjab since Marsh was the highest run scorer in last season's IPL with an average of 68.44 in 11 innings that included a hundred and five half-centuries.

Kulasekera would have a tough task matching up to Marsh's standards but the Sri Lankan, currently the No. 1 bowler in the ICC ODI rankings, said he is working on his batting as well.

"I am working really hard on my batting," said Kulasekera.

"My immediate target is pushing my ODI average over 25 by giving the team consistent runs. Obviously Shaun batted brilliantly last year and I feel sorry for him having to pull out, but I can't wait to get started in the IPL and I look forward to making some good contributions to the Kings XI," the 26-year-old said.