Salil Ankola played one Test and 20 ODIs for India
Between 1989 and 1997, Ankola represented India in 20 ODIs and one Test, capturing a total of 15 wickets. He turned to acting after his cricket career ended early due to a tumor in his chin.
“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 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,” Salil’s wife Ria told The Times of India.
Ankola made his India Test debut in the same match as Waqar Younis and Sachin Tendulkar in Pakistan in 1989. Salil picked up two wickets in the game. He also played in the 1996 World Cup for India.
“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. The cricket fraternity has been very kind to support him in his decision to take a small break from work to heal himself,” Ria added.
Mala Ashok Ankola, 77, Salil's mother, was discovered dead at her flat in the Deccan Gymkhana neighborhood of Pune. According to reports, she had cut her throat, which seemed to be self-inflicted.
Ankola was appointed as the national selector on January 7, 2023, and was in the post till Aug 2024. He was also Mumbai's chief selector from 2021-23.