``His (Agarkar's) injury is a big blow to India's chances in New Zealand,'' said Indian captain Mohammed Azharuddin. The latest victim of excessive cricket, Agarkar, was seen as the much-needed all-rounder for Indian cricket.

The news came as a big surprise as the team coach Anshuman Gaekwad had from the first day of the short conditioning camp, maintained that all the members were fit. He had added that there were no injury problems in the team. The coach called Agarkar's injury and pullout as a big blow to the team's chances.

The team is scheduled to leave for New Zealand tomorrow on their 45-day tourduring which they will play three Test matches and five One-day internationals besides two other side matches.

Agarakar, who made his Test debut on the recent tour of Zimbabwe, also holds the record of taking the fastest 50 wickets in one-day internationals.

Dr Anant Joshi, the orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert who treated Agarkar, feels that the only recourse for the bowler is rest and he must be careful about the pressure he exerts on the left foot.

``Rest is the only treatment. There is no other way,'' he said. ``We would be assessing him again in four weeks time after which he can commence jogging on soft surfaces.''

Agarkar's injury also brought back memories of India's last tour of New Zealand when all-rounder Manoj Prabhakar had to come back after carrying an injury into the tour.