Former Indian spin legend Harbhajan Singh has shed light on a provocative incident from early in his career that led to his expulsion from the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru in 2000. Harbhajan, who was part of the NCA's inaugural group of trainees, revealed that his removal was the result of a protest against the academy's catering standards.

Fighting for Trainee Rights

Speaking on cricketnextofficial, Harbhajan explained that while the NCA had implemented a strict diet plan based on expert advice, the food actually served to the players did not match the prescribed chart. After multiple complaints went unheeded, Harbhajan's frustration culminated in him tearing up the official diet chart posted at the facility.

"Waha se mujhe nikaal diya gaya. Woh meri galti nahi thi. Main aaj bhi is baat ko khule aam kehta hoon, kyunki woh hamara haq tha. Jo hamara khaana tha, woh achha nahi tha. [They removed me from there. It was not my mistake, I say this openly even today. It was our right. The food was not good there]," Harbhajan stated.

A Catalyst for Change

Despite being removed from the program, the former spinner believes his actions were necessary to force a change in the system. He suggested that some officials within the BCCI at the time were uncomfortable with players who dared to question authority.

"But maybe till someone does something like this, things don't change. I was fighting for the rights. If I had not stood up, even today the same diet plan would have been followed," he added, noting that while he was expelled, the diet plan was eventually changed.

A Legendary Career

The early friction with the NCA did not hinder Harbhajan's ascent to becoming one of India's most successful bowlers. Representing India between 1998 and 2016, he amassed over 700 international wickets. His impressive record includes 417 wickets in 103 Tests, 269 wickets in 236 ODIs, and 25 wickets in 28 T20Is.