De Villiers was seen holding his hamstring during his side’s 19-run (D/L) defeat against Pakistan on Wednesday and will be assessed over the next few days.

The Proteas skipper has struggled to find form recently and has looked far from his best in the Champions Trophy, being dismissed for 4 against Sri Lanka and suffering a maiden ODI golden duck against Pakistan.

Selectors will find it hard to replace the No 1 ODI batsman, at a time when a win against the defending champions is vital to keep their tournament hopes alive.

Since his return as captain after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, De Villiers has scored 561 runs @ 56.10, which includes five 50s. He has, however, suffered four defeats in the last 10 matches, two against New Zealand, two against England and one against Pakistan.

South Africa will face India on Sunday, in a do-or-die match, as they aim to snatch a semi-final spot.

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