A Cricketer's Struggle
Former India fast bowler and national selector Salil Ankola is currently undergoing treatment for severe depression. He has been admitted to a mental health
care center near Pune, a decision prompted by profound grief following the loss of his mother in October 2024. According to his wife, Ria Ankola, Salil found himself increasingly upset and unwell, leading him to seek a peaceful and conducive environment for recovery. This proactive step, his wife emphasizes, is a sign of his strength and determination to heal rather than succumb to the overwhelming emotions. The family is optimistic about his progress, noting his regular workouts and confident that he will soon return to his passion for cricket, a field where he has always demonstrated resilience and emerged stronger.
Support and Recovery
Salil Ankola's decision to seek treatment for depression has been met with widespread support from the cricket fraternity. His wife, Ria, expressed gratitude for the kindness shown by the sporting community, highlighting how their encouragement has eased his path to recovery. She also reiterated the family's unwavering support, underscoring the collective effort to help him heal. This episode marks a different challenge for Ankola, as a past report indicates he underwent rehabilitation for alcohol addiction nearly two decades ago. However, this current situation is attributed solely to depression, with it being confirmed that he has long since abstained from alcohol. The focus now is entirely on his mental well-being and his journey back to full health and his beloved sport.
Career Highlights
Salil Ankola's contributions to Indian cricket extend beyond his current personal battle. He served as a national selector from January 2023 to August 2024, and previously held the position of Mumbai's chief selector from 2021 to 2023. In his playing career, Ankola represented India in one Test match against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989, debuting alongside cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. In that solitary Test appearance, he took two wickets. He also participated in 20 One Day Internationals, claiming 13 wickets. Domestically, Ankola was a prominent fast bowler for Mumbai in the 1990s, securing 181 wickets in 54 first-class matches, with his best performance being 6 wickets for 47 runs. His promising cricket career was cut short at the age of 28 in 1997 due to a chin tumor, which prevented him from continuing to play. Following his cricket career, Ankola transitioned to acting, appearing in various television serials and films.
