Salil Ankola, ex-India pacer and national selector, battling depression; undergoing treatment at mental health care centre
Former India and Mumbai fast bowler Salil Ankola is undergoing treatment for severe depression at a rehab centre near Pune. His wife, Ria Ankola, confirmed he was admitted after struggling to cope with his mother's passing in October 2024. The family is optimistic about his recovery, highlighting his fighter spirit and the support he has received from the cricket fraternity.
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. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
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.