Picture this: a young Salil Ankola, steaming in to bowl alongside a teenage Sachin Tendulkar in his international debut at Karachi’s Test arena in 1989. That was the high point for the Mumbai speedster whose career promised fireworks but fizzled due to injuries after one Test, 20 ODIs, and a 1996 World Cup appearance. Retiring at 28, he pivoted to showbiz with gusto.
Ankola’s acting resume boasts TV hits including ‘CID’, ‘Dil Se Dil Tak’, ‘Kora Kagaz’, and spooky ‘Shssh… Koi Hai’. On the big screen, he tackled a cop role in ‘Kurukshetra’ opposite Sanjay Dutt, and featured in ‘Pitaah’, ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’, and indie flick ‘Silence Please… The Dressing Room’. His ‘Bigg Boss’ stint in 2006 added to his eclectic portfolio, showcasing a confident persona.
Reality, though, was far grimmer. Cricket’s exit bred emptiness, fueling a 14-year alcohol binge from 1999 to 2011. What started as social sips escalated to 24/7 dependency. He avoided matches that reopened wounds, ignored loved ones’ interventions, and cycled through failed rehabs. By 2014, his body failed repeatedly—12 ICU stays, declared dead thrice.
Salvation struck watching the 2011 World Cup in rehab; it rekindled purpose. With family backing and medical intervention, Ankola conquered the demon, now living sober. Currently tied to Mumbai cricket as ex-chief selector, he served as India selector till August 2024. From pitch to peril to podium, Ankola’s story inspires, proving second acts can be redemptive.