Former Indian Cricketer and BCCI Selector Salil Ankola Seeking Treatment for Depression
A Challenging Road to Recovery for Salil Ankola
The Indian cricketing community has rallied behind former fast bowler and national selector Salil Ankola, who is currently undergoing treatment for severe depression. The 58-year-old, who served as a BCCI selector until August 2024, voluntarily checked into a mental health care center near Pune a few weeks ago to focus on his well-being.
Family Speaks Out on His Path to Healing
The news was confirmed by his wife, Ria Ankola, who highlighted the profound impact of losing her mother-in-law in October 2024. According to Ria, the former cricketer found it difficult to process the grief, which led to deteriorating physical health and frequent bouts of illness. Recognizing the need for professional intervention, Ankola opted for a peaceful environment to heal.
“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. 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,” Ria stated. She further emphasized that the family is proud of his proactive decision to seek help rather than allow his condition to worsen.
Support from the Cricket Fraternity
The cricket fraternity, including former colleagues, has extended significant support to Ankola during this difficult time. His wife expressed gratitude toward the BCCI and the wider cricketing world for their kindness and respect for his privacy while he takes a break from his professional commitments to focus entirely on his recovery.
A Look Back at a Versatile Career
Salil Ankola’s journey in the public eye has been marked by resilience. His international debut in 1989 at Karachi against Pakistan remains a historic moment, as he debuted alongside legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. Throughout his career, he displayed significant talent, picking up two wickets in that maiden Test appearance and contributing consistently across 20 ODI matches, where he claimed 13 scalps.
In the domestic circuit, he was a stalwart for Mumbai, featuring in 54 First-Class matches and securing 181 wickets. However, his professional playing career was cut short at the age of 28 in 1997 due to a chin tumor. Demonstrating the same fighting spirit he is known for, Ankola pivoted to a successful career in the entertainment industry, appearing in numerous television serials and films.
Transition to Administration and Coaching
Ankola’s connection to cricket never wavered. After his successful stint in acting, he returned to the sport in administrative and analytical roles. He served as the chief selector for Mumbai between 2021 and 2023, eventually moving up to the national level as a BCCI selector from January 2023 to August 2024. In recent years, he has also been a prominent voice in cricket commentary, sharing his deep tactical knowledge with fans.
As he continues his recovery, the support from his family and friends remains steadfast. Known as a fighter who has navigated various life hurdles—including past struggles with addiction which he successfully overcame years ago—Ankola is widely expected to navigate this phase with the same determination that defined his bowling spells on the field. The focus remains on his health and his eventual return to the game he has always cherished.
