Heading into the opening Test of the four-match series, Clarke’s place in the side had been in doubt due to a left hamstring injury, one associated with an ongoing back problem.
But having emotionally taken the field as he led Australia out in honour of Phillip Hughes, Clarke has now injured his right hamstring, the skipper suffering the injury while fielding during the last day in Adelaide as Australia produced a dramatic 48-run win over India.
Speaking immediately after play concluded, Clarke said the prognosis on his hamstring was a little grim.
“I’ve just had a scan, results are not fantastic so the experts are looking at it now but I think I’m obviously going to struggle to take any more part in this series,” Clarke said.
“So I’m obviously disappointed, but I’ll make sure I’m here supporting the boys and do whatever I can from the sidelines.”
Clarke went further in his post-match press conference, saying the chronic injuries may be forcing him into retirement.
“The experts are looking at scans now, I don't know exactly how long I'm going to be out for," Clarke told Cricinfo.
"I think the World Cup, our first practice game is eight weeks away, I'd love to take part in the tri-series, I'd love to take part in the World Cup but I just have to wait and see.
"There's no doubt there's certainly a chance [I will miss the World Cup], well there's a chance I may never play again. I hope that's not the case and I'll be doing everything in my power to get back out on the park but I have to be realistic as well.
"I think my body in general there's always that risk. This is a different hamstring, I did my left hamstring, I've done my right side of my back, I've just done my right hammy.
“I've got injury concerns at the moment, now I've got to go back and do what the experts tell me to give myself my best chance of being fully fit. But I think I have to be honest with myself and have a good hard think about things, definitely."
In a thrilling finale to the day, India looked on track to chasing down the 364 needed for a record-breaking fourth-innings chase at Adelaide Oval as Indian skipper Virat Kohli (141) and Murali Vijay (99) chewed up the runs.
But when Nathan Lyon (7-152) dismissed Vijay a run short of his century, the match swung back in Australia’s favour.
Clarke wasn’t out there to lead the side, though, having been taken to hospital for a second time this match after he injured his back on the first day, moving backwards to avoid a bouncer.
Clarke returned to the field the following day to score a memorable 128, but this time around he had to rely on Brad Haddin to lead the way as the Aussies looked to take the lead in this four-match series.
“It’s always harder watching but when you win it makes it a little bit easier,” Clarke said.
“The boys were outstanding, they deserve a lot of credit for the way they hung in and kept on trying to win the game.
“I think that’s the one thing that pleases me most about this Australian team. They’re not scared of losing, they’re willing to risk losing to try and win and I think they showed that today.
“I think the boys all deserve a lot of credit, some unbelievable individual performances.
“Firstly, Virat Kohli, what an innings. That’s as good a second-innings hundred as I’ve seen in my career.
“Nathan Lyon, unbelievable, Davey Warner unbelievable, Steve Smith. And I think a lot of credit needs to go to Brad Haddin, I thought his captaincy was outstanding this afternoon.”
Western Australian batsman Shaun Marsh has been added to the Australian squad for next Wednesday’s second Test in Brisbane while paceman Mitchell Starc has also been added.