Former Indian Pacer Salil Ankola Seeks Treatment for Depression
A Difficult Journey to Recovery
The cricketing fraternity has rallied around former Indian pace bowler Salil Ankola, who is currently receiving treatment at a rehabilitation center to address severe depression. The 58-year-old, a name familiar to followers of Indian cricket from the late 80s and early 90s, has reportedly been struggling significantly following the passing of his mother in October 2024.
His wife, Ria, recently shared insights into the situation with the Times of India, explaining that the grief of losing his mother became an immense burden for the former cricketer. The emotional toll manifested in persistent health issues, prompting the proactive decision for Ankola to enter a professional rehabilitation facility. Despite the gravity of the situation, there is a positive outlook regarding his trajectory. Ria noted that the family was immensely proud of his initiative to seek help, adding that he is responding well to treatment, maintaining a consistent fitness regime, and remains a fighter at heart.
From Domestic Promise to International Debut
Ankola’s entry into professional cricket was marked by high expectations. Emerging from the competitive Mumbai domestic circuit, he was quickly identified as one of the most promising young fast bowlers in the country. Standing tall and possessing genuine hostility, he was often viewed as a potential successor to the legendary Kapil Dev, capable of anchoring the Indian pace attack for years to come.
His international debut remains a significant footnote in cricket history, as he stepped onto the field for his maiden Test match against Pakistan in Karachi alongside another debutant destined for greatness: Sachin Tendulkar. While that debut series did not yield the results many had hoped for—Ankola claimed two wickets in his solitary Test appearance—it marked the beginning of an eight-year association with the national set-up.
A Career Defined by Potential and Injury
Ankola’s international career was ultimately curtailed by recurring physical setbacks. In his 20 One Day Internationals, he showed flashes of brilliance, most notably a performance of 3/33 against South Africa in 1993. However, constant fitness battles meant he struggled to cement his place in the playing XI. He was part of the squad for the 1996 ODI World Cup, where he featured in a match against Sri Lanka in Delhi, though he went wicketless in a short spell.
By the time he played his final ODI in Durban, Ankola was only 28 years old. His premature departure from the game left many wondering what could have been had injuries not hampered his momentum.
Life Beyond the Boundary
Following his retirement from professional cricket, Ankola successfully transitioned into the entertainment industry. He became a recognizable face on Indian television and in cinema, with his role in the 2000 film Kurukshetra alongside Sanjay Dutt standing out as a notable achievement. His fame extended to reality television as well, as he participated in the inaugural season of Bigg Boss.
Despite his ventures into media, his heart remained tethered to the sport that defined his youth. In 2020, he took on a significant administrative role when the Mumbai Cricket Association appointed him as the chief selector. His dedication to cricket administration continued when he joined the national selection committee in early 2023, a position he held until stepping down in August 2024.
Looking Forward
The resilience that once allowed Ankola to charge into bowl against the world’s best batters is now being applied to his personal recovery. With the unwavering support of his family and friends, there is a collective belief that the former pacer will overcome this hurdle. As he continues his recovery, the cricketing community sends its support, hoping to see him back in the fold of the sport he has served both on and off the field for decades.
