Mumbai: In an encouraging development, the former Mumbai Indian cricketer and veteran selector They are not Ankolas he has overcome severe depression, for which he has been undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation center near Pune for the past month and a half, and is eager to resume work now.“I want to resume work. I’m very open to any cricketing-coaching job or anything related to the game. I’m going abroad now. I have a few meetings. I’m starting a coaching job here (at Trinity Academy in Pune). I will be released (from the rehab center) in 10-15 woman (she’s been fine with Rivehi). I’m back in the game and I feel better now- I’ve lost about 10 kgs, while I’m doing exercises there (at the rehab center). I’m fighting hard enough. More importantly, I also have a positive attitude,” Ankola told TOI from Pune on Tuesday.Speaking about his difficult time, Ankola said, “(Admission to a rehab center due to serious clinical depression) was one of the best decisions I took. I needed that time for myself. I was not feeling well, which was the most important thing. I talked about it with my wife, who said that I should (look at the rehab center for treatment). I had to do this among my IP things, and leave all your comments. (receiving treatment).Salil’s wife, Ria Ankola, said, “Salil is doing very well. I met him yesterday in Pune. The doctors are very happy with his progress. He is fit to resume work now. They say he will be discharged and return home soon. I have to thank all his friends and well-wishers for being there for him and supporting and helping us all the time.”“Actually the whole thing is that he has been fighting depression very well and has been declared fit to work and take up new cricket duties as soon as possible. He is starting his coaching duties in Pune from today. For now, since the job will be in Pune, and he was already in Pune, he will stay here until he completes his duties and Salil is looking very happily to start working. in India and abroad,” he added.On May 6, 2026, TOI first reported that Ankola had fallen seriously ill and had been admitted to a diabetes clinic near Pune.Ankola was appointed national selector on January 7, 2023, and held the position until August 2024. He was also Mumbai’s chief executive from 2021–23.The 58-year-old has been commentating on domestic and IPL cricket for the past few years.Ankola played India’s only ODI against Pakistan in Karachi in 1989, and was the first in the match apart from legends Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. He took two wickets in the match. He also played 20 ODIs, taking 13 wickets. Mumbai’s top speedster in the 90s, Ankola appeared in 54 first-class matches in which he took 181 wickets, with best figures of 6-47.
