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Salil Ankola, ex-India pacer and national selector, battling depression; undergoing treatment at mental health care centre
TL;DR
Former Indian cricketer Salil Ankola is undergoing treatment for severe depression at a rehab centre near Pune. His wife confirmed that he is on the path to recovery after struggling with the loss of his mother in October 2024.
Key points
- Salil Ankola is a former Indian cricketer and national selector.
- He is currently undergoing treatment for severe depression.
- Ankola's depression worsened after the death of his mother in October 2024.
- His family reports he is recovering well and receiving support from the cricket community.
Mentioned in this story
Salil AnkolaRia AnkolaPune
MUMBAI: Former India and Mumbai fast bowler and ex-national selector Salil Ankola is suffering from severe depression and has been admitted to a rehab centre near Pune, TOI has learnt.
"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. 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 Ankola told TOI.
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She informed that Ankola was on the path to recovery from his low phase. "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.
Almost a couple of decades back, Ankola underwent rehab due to alcohol addiction, but it's learnt that this time, it is a case of depression as he quit alcohol long back.
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.
The 58-year-old has been commentating in domestic cricket and in the IPL for the past few years.
Ankola played a solitary Test for India against Pakistan at Karachi in 1989, and was the other debutant in the match besides legends Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. He took two wickets in that match. He had also played 20 ODIs, capturing 13 wickets. A key pacer for Mumbai in the 90s, Ankola featured in 54 first-class matches in which he took 181 wickets, with best figures of 6-47. The Mumbaikar retired at the age of just 28 in 1997 because of a tumour in his chin, due to which couldn’t pursue his cricket career any further.
Subsequently, he became an actor, and appeared in several TV serials and films.
Q&A
What led to Salil Ankola's depression?
Salil Ankola's depression was primarily triggered by the passing of his mother in October 2024, which he found difficult to process.
Where is Salil Ankola receiving treatment for his mental health?
Salil Ankola is receiving treatment at a mental health care centre located near Pune.
How is Salil Ankola's family supporting him during his recovery?
Salil Ankola's family, including his wife Ria, is supporting him by being there for him and expressing happiness over his decision to take a break for recovery.