On the same day when Sachin Tendulkar made his debut for India at the age of 16 years in a Test Match vs Pakistan, there was another debutant, fast bowler Salil Ankola. While Sachin reached the epitome of cricketing superstardom, becoming the greatest batter of all time, Ankola never quite managed to reach those heights in his international career. Now, reports have emerged that Ankola has been admitted to a rehabilitation center due to mental health issues.
According to a report by The Times of India, Salil Ankola has admitted himself to a rehabilitation center in Pune. This was because he has been upset ever since his mother breathed her last in October 2024. His wife, Ria Ankola confirmed this.
“Yes, Salil was suffering from depression and hence a couple of weeks ago, he got himself admitted to a mental health care center near Pune. Salil was very upset ever since he lost his mother in October 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,” Ria Ankola told The Times of India.
The report also states that Ankola had previously been admitted to another rehabilitation center to battle his alcohol addiction.
‘Cricket Fraternity Has Been Kind’
However, the heartening news is that Salil Ankola is on the road to recovery. He also added that the cricket fraternity has been supportive of him.
“We, as a family, are very happy that he has chosen to take a break instead of completely breaking down. 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,” Ria said.
“The cricket fraternity has been very kind to support him in his decision of taking a small break from work to heal himself,” she added.
Looking Back At Salil Ankola’s Career
Salil Ankola played a solitary Test match and 15 ODIs for India, taking 20 wickets. His career was cut short after he developed a tumor on his left shin. In 54 first-class matches for Mumbai and Maharashtra, he took 181 wickets. He went on to become a selector later, and was even part of the national selection committee headed by Ajit Agarkar from 2023-2024. He was also the chief selector of the Mumbai Cricket Association at one point of time.
After his cricketing career, Salil Ankola also tried his hand at acting, as he notched upo crucial roles in many films and television serials.
