Salil Ankola Age, Height, Weight, Wiki, Biography, Family, And More

Early Achievements

Salil Ankola, born in 1968 to a Konkani-speaking family in Ankola, Karnataka, began his cricket career at a young age. At 20, he made his debut for Maharashtra during the 1988–89 season. One of his standout performances came against Gujarat, where he scored 43 runs and took an impressive six-wicket haul, including a hat-trick. Another notable performance followed against Baroda, where he claimed six wickets for 51 runs in an innings. His exceptional season, during which he took 27 wickets at an average of 20.18, garnered the attention of selectors, leading to his selection for India’s tour of Pakistan in 1989–90.

First-Class Cricket

Salil Ankola’s Test debut during the tour at Karachi placed him alongside cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Waqar Younis. Although the match ended in a draw, Ankola made his mark by taking two wickets for 128 runs. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined him for the remaining Tests.

In the subsequent ODI series, Ankola debuted in the second match, where he took two wickets for 26 runs. A memorable moment occurred when he arrived at number 10 and hit a six off the first ball he faced from Imran Khan, despite India ultimately losing the match. Despite being selected for Test squads, Ankola faced the cricketing fate known as “Ankolad” – being dropped without getting a chance to play.

Ankola continued his journey in ODI cricket, honing his skills alongside other bowlers. In the early 1990s, he underwent training under Frank Tyson, focusing on refining his technique rather than solely relying on pace. During this period, Ankola married Parineeta, and the couple has two children.

Return to International Cricket

After a three-year hiatus, Ankola returned to the limelight when he was selected for the Charms Cup against England and Zimbabwe at home. Notably, during a match against South Africa in the 1993 Hero Cup, he achieved his career-best ODI bowling figures, taking three wickets for 33 runs.

In 1996, Ankola earned a spot on the Indian team for the World Cup, playing in one match against Sri Lanka. However, he was subsequently dropped from the team for future tournaments. Despite being part of the squad that toured South Africa in 1996–97, he did not get the opportunity to play in any Test matches. Ankola’s final international appearance came in the Standard Bank International ODI tournament, where he played five games against South Africa and Zimbabwe. His last match, against South Africa, saw him concede 50 runs in seven overs.

Retirement

Following the tour, Ankola announced his retirement from international cricket in 1997, marking the end of his cricketing journey on the global stage.

Post Retirement Contributions

Salil Ankola’s contributions to Mumbai cricket extend beyond his playing days. In March 2010, the BCCI granted him a benefit match, a Twenty20 game held at the Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai, featuring cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly. The presence of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, then the captain of the Indian national cricket team, made the occasion particularly special, underscoring Ankola’s esteemed status in the cricketing community.

Transitioning to a leadership role, Ankola assumed the position of chief selector for the Mumbai Cricket Association in 2020. Eager to give back to the sport that had shaped his career, he applied for the selection committee post and was appointed as the Chairman of Mumbai Senior & U25 Committee on December 16, 2020.

Under his guidance, Mumbai cricket experienced a resurgence. The team secured victories in prestigious tournaments, including the Vijay Hazare Trophy, the Ranji Trophy, and the U25 CK Nayudu Trophy. Notably, Mumbai also clinched the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Championship for the first time since its inception in 2006/07 during Ankola’s tenure.

Ankola’s leadership style focused on rejuvenating the team, reflected in the Mumbai squad’s average age of 25. His strategic vision and commitment to nurturing young talent played a pivotal role in Mumbai cricket’s recent successes. Overall, Salil Ankola’s tenure as Chairman of the Mumbai Selection Committee has been characterized by significant achievements, revitalizing the team and reaffirming its position in Indian cricket.

Acting Career

Salil Ankola’s transition from cricket to cinema marked a new chapter in his career. Beginning with his debut in the 2000 Hindi film “Kurukshetra,” where he portrayed a cop alongside Sanjay Dutt, Ankola showcased his versatility as an actor. Subsequent roles in films like “Pitaah” (2002) and “Chura Liyaa Hai Tumne” (2003) further established his presence in Bollywood. Despite challenges, including a financially turbulent period and personal struggles, Ankola persevered, earning appreciation for his performances, notably in “Silence Please…The Dressing Room.”

Venturing into reality television with the first season of Bigg Boss in 2006, Ankola continued to explore diverse avenues in the entertainment industry. Although faced with setbacks, including his replacement in the daily show “Savitri” and rumors of potential appearances in other television projects, Ankola remained resilient.

His participation in the reality show “Power Couple” in 2015 and his acclaimed role in “Karamphaldata Shani” in 2016 marked a resurgence in his television career. The success of “Karamphaldata Shani,” which ran for two years and garnered international acclaim, further solidified Ankola’s position in the television industry.

In a surprising turn of events, Ankola made a return to cricket in 2020 as the Chairman of the Mumbai Senior U25 Selection Committee, demonstrating his enduring connection to the sport. This move symbolized a full circle in his diverse career, showcasing his ability to navigate and excel in different fields. Throughout his journey, Salil Ankola’s resilience, versatility, and determination have been constants, shaping his remarkable trajectory in both sports and entertainment.

Net Worth Summary