Who is Salil Ankola? From Tendulkar’s debut partner to actor, selector and now battling depression

Former India cricketer Salil Ankola has once again found himself in the spotlight after TOI learnt that the former fast bowler is currently undergoing treatment for severe depression at a rehabilitation and mental health care centre near Pune. While the news has sparked concern across the cricket fraternity, many younger fans may not fully know the journey of the former fast bowler, who once shared one of the most iconic debut matches in Indian cricket history.

Ankola made his international debut for India in Karachi in 1989 in the same Test that introduced two future legends of world cricket — Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. Facing a powerful Pakistan side led by Wasim Akram, the tall Mumbai pacer picked up two wickets in his only Test appearance for India.

Before earning national selection, Ankola had burst onto the domestic scene with an eye-catching debut season for Bombay in 1988-89. He announced himself with a hat-trick and a valuable 43-run knock against Gujarat before following it up with a six-wicket haul versus Baroda. His performances quickly pushed him into the Indian side.

Although his international career did not last long, Ankola still represented India in 20 ODIs and remained a respected performer in domestic cricket. Across 54 first-class matches, he claimed 181 wickets, with best figures of 6 for 47. Injuries, however, repeatedly interrupted his progress. He later worked with legendary fast bowling coach Frank Tyson to remodel his action and shorten his run-up in an attempt to improve control and reduce physical strain.

Ankola returned to India’s ODI setup in the mid-1990s and was also part of the 1996 World Cup squad before eventually losing his place again. His cricket career came to an early end at just 28 after a tumour in his chin forced him into retirement.

Following cricket, Ankola successfully transitioned into the entertainment industry. He appeared in several television serials and films, including the popular horror show “Sshh... Koi Hai,” and worked alongside personalities such as Sanjay Dutt, Renuka Shahane, Sunny Leone, Adnan Sami and Asha Bhosle in various projects.

Despite moving into acting and production, Ankola remained closely linked to cricket. He later returned to the game in administrative roles, serving as Mumbai’s chief selector from 2021 to 2023 before becoming a national selector in January 2023. He continued in that role until August 2024.

According to his family, Ankola has been struggling emotionally since the death of his mother in October 2024. His wife Ria Ankola told TOI that he chose to seek treatment after finding it difficult to cope with the loss and noticing a decline in both his mental and physical health.