India, Nov. 13 -- When the Indian women's team lifted their first-ever World Cup trophy earlier this month, it was a moment of unfiltered joy. But somewhere, amid the cheers and confetti, there lingered a bittersweet - for a young spin all-rounder who should have been part of it all.

In the scheme of things for India before a series of injuries that ruled her out for nearly 11 months, Shreyanka Patil had to watch the prep and triumph unfold from afar. For a cricketer whose game had been on a steep upward curve - from standout WPL performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru - her time away from the game tested her resolve.

"It was tough for her but also for me as a coach," coach Arjun Dev, who has seen Patil's rise and the rollercoaster...