Overview
- Multiple outlets on Thursday, citing the Times of India, reported that Salil Ankola voluntarily admitted himself to a mental health and rehabilitation centre near Pune a couple of weeks ago.
- His wife, Ria Ankola, said he struggled to process his mother’s death in October 2024 and chose care after emotional breakdowns and frequent illness.
- The family says he is recovering, has resumed regular workouts, and is receiving strong support from friends and the wider cricket community.
- Reports distinguish this episode from his past alcohol issues, noting he underwent rehab decades ago and that his current treatment is for depression.
- Ankola played one Test and 20 ODIs before injuries curtailed his career, later serving as Mumbai chief selector and a BCCI national selector in 2023–24, and his case is fueling fresh discussion about mental health support for former athletes.