Salil Ankola, a prominent name in Indian cricket, has recently garnered attention due to a tragic incident involving his mother. Reports indicate that she was found deceased in their Pune residence, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, including the presence of distressing stab marks on her neck. This unfortunate incident has sparked discussions about Ankolaโs life and career, which remains significant in the annals of Indian cricket.
Salil Ankola’s Career Overview
Born on March 1, 1968, in Sholapur, Maharashtra, Salil Ankola emerged as a talented right-arm fast bowler. He made remarkable contributions to Indian domestic cricket, representing Maharashtra and Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. Over his career, Ankola participated in 54 first-class matches and 75 List A matches. His international career saw him taking the field for Team India, where he played 20 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and one Test match. During his time with the national team, he secured a total of 13 wickets in ODIs and 2 in Test matches. In his overall professional cricket journey, Ankola claimed an impressive tally of 251 wickets.
Playing Alongside Legends
Salil Ankola made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989. Notably, this match marked his only Test appearance, where he dismissed Salim Malik, his first international wicket. His One Day International debut occurred in the same year against the same opponent, with his inaugural ODI wicket being none other than the legendary Imran Khan. Ankolaโs last international appearance was in Durban in 1997, during which he played under the captaincy of the great Sachin Tendulkar, adding to a rich tapestry of cricketing history shared with legends like Rahul Dravid and Sourav Ganguly.
Transition to Entertainment
After retiring from cricket, Ankola ventured into the entertainment industry. His initial foray into television came with Zee TV’s serial “Chahat Aur Naath,” followed by a Bollywood debut in the film “Kurukshetra.” His acting career includes performances in various films, such as “Pita,” “Chura Tiya Hai Tumne,” and “Silence PleaseโฆThe Dressing Room.” Additionally, he gained a different kind of fame as a contestant on the first season of the popular reality show Bigg Boss, showcasing his versatility beyond the cricket field.
Contributions to Cricket Administration
In 2020, Ankola transitioned to cricket administration, taking on the role of Chief Selector for the Mumbai Cricket Association. His involvement in cricket governance deepened when he served on the selection committee of the Indian cricket team from July 2023 to August 2024. During this period, he played a vital role in selecting the team that ultimately triumphed in the T20 World Cup, contributing his extensive knowledge and experience to the future of Indian cricket.
Salil Ankola’s journey from the cricket field to the entertainment industry and cricket administration highlights his multifaceted talent and dedication to sports. Despite the current personal turmoil, his legacy in Indian cricket and beyond remains impactful and worth celebrating.
