How many of you remember Salil Ankola, the cricketer-turned-TV star? A star who was poised for greatness before life took an unexpected turn?
Today on Forgotten Stars, we dive into the journey of this multi-talented figure, who was once viewed as a rising star of Indian cricket but had to retire at the age of 29 due to an ailment.
Born in 1968 in the town of Ankola in North Karnataka, he burst onto the cricket scene with immense promise.
At just 20, Ankola made his first-class debut for Maharashtra, delivering a standout performance—scoring 43 runs and taking a stunning hat-trick. His success on the domestic stage earned him a spot in India’s Test squad, where he made his debut alongside the great Sachin Tendulkar.
Despite being part of Test squads for various tours, Ankola faced limited opportunities to showcase his talent on the international stage. He continued to participate in ODIs and was selected for the 1996 World Cup, but only played 1 game in the tournament.
A year later, he played in a tri-series final against South Africa, where he conceded 50 runs in seven overs. But, nobody knew that it would be the final time we'd see Ankola in Indian colours.
The final blow came while playing a domestic match in 1997, where Ankola collapsed. Diagnosed with a bone tumor in his left shin, he was forced to retire from cricket at just 29. A once-bright cricketing future was tragically cut short.
Yet, Ankola didn’t let this define him. He boldly transitioned into the world of acting, appearing in various Hindi TV shows and films. However, life threw more challenges his way. Between 2008 and 2012, acting roles dwindled, and Ankola faced battles with depression and alcohol addiction, even spending time in rehab. A benefit match organized by the BCCI between Sachin Tendulkar XI and Sourav Ganguly XI provided some financial aid, but it wasn’t enough.
Still, Ankola’s story is one of perseverance. In 2013, he made a strong comeback, starring in popular TV shows like Savdhaan India and Karmaphal Daata Shani. However, his love for cricket never faded, and in 2020, he was appointed chief selector of the Mumbai Cricket Association and later served as a national selector from January 2023 till August 2024.
His life is an inspiring tale of overcoming adversity, shifting paths, and never giving up on dreams. His journey from the cricket pitch to television stardom proves that life’s challenges can lead to new beginnings