Mumbai, Oct. 10 -- It was a pivotal moment for India in many ways. Trailing by two goals against United States in their opening FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup match in June, India were looking bereft of ideas against a sturdy USA defence.

Then they earned a penalty corner in the 17th minute, and Deepika Sehrawat was on the pitch.

It was her first match for India in almost 10 months. A strapped right thigh was a precaution as well as a reminder, of the Grade 3 hamstring tear she suffered while the drag-flicker was practicing her skill in August last year.

However, against USA, she stepped up and slotted the ball powerfully to the bottom right corner. A few minutes later, another drag-flick, and she had levelled the scores. She scored fo...