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Former India and Mumbai cricket team fast bowler Salil Ankola has given an encouraging update about his health. Ankola, who battled concerns of clinical depression, has finally overcome it and is now ready to face new challenges.
The former cricketer and former national selector was reportedly suffering from severe depression. To overcome the problem, he consulted professionals and experts and went for rehabilitation.
Salil Ankola is all set to resume work
During the rehabilitation period, the 58-year-old had to stop doing any professional activities as his focus was only on his mental health. During an interview given to Times of India, Salil says that his wife Riya helped him a lot during the challenging phase of his life.
“I would love to start working again. I am really open to any cricket assignment, coaching or anything related to the game. I am going out now. I have some meetings. I am starting some coaching assignments here in Pune.”
Salil Ankola said in an interview, “I will be discharged from the rehab center in 10-15 days. I am staying with Riya (his wife). It is good to be back in the game again. I am feeling great now.”
Now along with improvement in his mentality, his health has also improved.
He further claims that due to the rehabilitation sessions, he feels more fit mentally and physically. Due to regular workouts and gym sessions, his weight also reduced by about 10 kg.
“I have become quite fit now – I have lost about 10 kilograms because I was working out in a good gym there (at the rehabilitation centre). I am absolutely fit. Most importantly, I am in good shape mentally too,” the former cricketer said.
Salil’s wife Riya Ankola also says that her husband’s condition is not much better and hopes that he will be discharged soon.
“Salil is doing much better. I met him yesterday in Pune. The doctors are very happy with his progress. He is now fit to resume work. They are saying that he will be discharged and will be back home soon. I must thank all his friends and well-wishers for being with him and being so supportive and helping us,” Rhea told about the development.
Salil Ankola’s professional cricket career in brief
Salil Ankola has had a great stint as a bowling all-rounder for the India national cricket team, mostly known for his fast bowling. He has represented India in only one Test match, which was against arch-rivals Pakistan in 1989, when Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis made their debut for India and Pakistan respectively.
Ankola scored two goals with the ball in the match. His figures in ODIs were much better. The all-rounder from Sholapur, Maharashtra played 20 ODIs for India and took 13 wickets, including a best of 3/33.
He was important for the Mumbai cricket team in the 90s. In 54 first-class matches for Mumbai, Salil Ankola took 181 wickets with best figures of 6-47. Along with the bat, he also scored a half-century for the state cricket team.