Debuted with Tendulkar, lost to illness: The story of pacer Salil Ankola
The tragic journey of Indian fast bowler Salil Ankola, who made his Test debut alongside Sachin Tendulkar before a bone tumour prematurely ended his promising cricket career at 28.
In November 1989, a promising fast bowler stepped onto the pitch at Karachi to make his Test debut alongside a 16-year-old batting sensation named Sachin Tendulkar. While Tendulkar went on to become one of cricket's legendary figures, destiny had a far more tragic narrative waiting for Salil Ankola.
Ankola earned his India debut after a phenomenal maiden domestic season where a hat-trick and 27 wickets thrust him into the national spotlight. His deceptive movement and quick pace made him an immediate pick for the high-stakes tour of Pakistan.
Despite taking two wickets in a solid Karachi debut, Ankola was surprisingly dropped for the remainder of that Test series. He remained a trusted option in India's limited-overs setup over the next few years, eventually making the squad for the 1996 World Cup at home.
In total, Ankola represented India in one Test and 20 ODIs, securing 13 ODI wickets while maintaining a disciplined economy rate. However, just as his bowling was reaching its peak maturity, a devastating diagnosis cut his dreams short at the age of 28.
In 1997, doctors discovered a bone tumour in his shin, informing him that the intense impact required for fast bowling would no longer be physically possible. Forced into a premature retirement, the abrupt halt to his sporting life triggered a grueling struggle with severe depression.
Refusing to let the setback permanently define him, Ankola gradually rebuilt his life, achieving success as an actor on television before returning to Indian cricket years later in administrative and talent selection roles.