Salil Ashok Ankola, a former Indian cricketer who hails from Mumbai, is remembered as a tall, handsome, and athletic fast bowler. Born on March 3, 1968, Ankola had an eventful cricketing journey that was unfortunately marred by injuries and a premature retirement from the game.
Ankola burst onto the domestic cricket scene in the 1988-89 season, playing for Bombay. In his debut match, he left a lasting impression with a remarkable hat-trick and an impressive score of 43 runs against Gujarat. This incredible performance was followed by a six-wicket haul against Baroda, indicating that Ankola was a force to be reckoned with.
His outstanding performances did not go unnoticed, and he was swiftly called up to represent the Indian cricket team. In his maiden international appearance, a tour opener in Pakistan during the 1989-90 season, Ankola made an immediate impact by taking six wickets for 77 runs. Subsequently, he made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi, where he managed to claim two wickets for 128 runs. Despite displaying promise, his injury-prone body prevented him from featuring again in the series, which ultimately resulted in playing only one Test match.
In 1990, Ankola sought the guidance of Frank Tyson, the renowned former English cricketer and fast bowling expert, to remodel his bowling technique. This led to a decrease in his run-up length, a reduction in pace, and a significant improvement in his control. Although he faced challenges following his technique alteration, Ankola’s perseverance paid off, and he made a comeback to the Indian one-day side in 1993.
However, his return was short-lived, as he was dropped from the team the following year due to his reputation as a poor fielder. Nonetheless, destiny had something else in store for Ankola. In 1996, he was given the opportunity to represent India in the World Cup, marking a high point in his cricketing career. Following the tournament and one subsequent series, Ankola was once again omitted from the team.
At the young age of 28, Ankola decided to retire from cricket and embark on a new journey as an actor. He made his acting debut in the television serial “Sshh… Koi Hai” and went on to appear in several films. As his passion for the world of entertainment grew, Ankola shifted his focus towards film production. This transition allowed him to express his creativity and bring compelling stories to life on the silver screen.
Although his cricketing career may have been cut short due to various factors, Salil Ankola will always be remembered for his undeniable talent and the potential he showcased during his time in the national team. His journey from the cricket field to the world of acting and film production serves as an inspiring example of adapting to new challenges and pursuing one’s passions.
