India, Dec. 5 -- Indian women's team vice-captain star Smriti Mandhana broke her public appearance absence by returning to Instagram for the first time since her wedding with music composer Palash Muchhal was unexpectedly postponed on November 23. The ceremony was halted after Mandhana's father, Srinivas, fell seriously ill and had to be hospitalised in Sangli on the morning of the wedding. A day later, Palash too was admitted to a hospital. Both have since been discharged, though neither family has announced a new date for the rescheduled wedding.

Mandhana's latest post, uploaded on Friday, was part of a paid partnership with a popular toothpaste brand. While the promotional video appeared routine, in which Smriti discussed her feelings...