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Former India fast bowler Salil Ankola has reportedly checked into a mental healthcare facility near Pune as he battles severe depression. According to his wife, Salil has been “very upset” since the death of his mother in 2024 and has struggled to come to terms with her absence.
Ankola played one Test and 20 ODIs for India between 1989 and 1997, taking a combined 15 wickets. His cricket career ended prematurely after he developed a tumour in his chin, following which he moved into acting.
“Yes, Salil was suffering from depression and hence a couple of weeks ago, he got himself admitted to a mental health care centre near Pune,” Salil’s wife Ria told The Times of India. “Salil was very upset ever since he lost his mother in Oct 2024, and was unable
to process her passing away.”
“So, recently, when he saw himself breaking down and was falling sick very often, he chose to get himself treated in a good place and in a peaceful environment,” she added.
Debut Alongside Tendulkar And Waqar
Salil made his international debut alongside batting legend Sachin Tendulkar against Pakistan in November 1989. Legendary Pakistan pacer Waqar Younis also made his Test debut in that Karachi match, which ended in a draw. Salil picked up two wickets in the game.
At the domestic level, Salil represented Maharashtra and Mumbai. In 54 first-class matches, he claimed 181 wickets at an average of 25.33, while in 75 List A games, he took 70 wickets.
“We, as a family, are very happy that he has chosen to take a break instead of completely breaking down,” Ria told the publication. “He is recovering very well, working out regularly and will be back in no time to his first love, which was, is and will always be cricket, because he has always been a fighter and always comes out stronger than before. We, his family and his friends are always there to support him. The cricket fraternity has been very kind to support him in his decision of taking a small break from work to heal himself.”
Salil’s mother, Mala Ashok Ankola, 77, was found dead at her apartment in Pune’s Deccan Gymkhana area. Reports stated that her throat had been slit and the injury appeared to be self-inflicted.
