Alana King has the chance to play in front of Indian relatives in Mumbai this week, as well as the opportunity to set herself up for more cricket in the country in the women's IPL
King excited about playing in front of family India
Australia's newest spin sensation Alana King is relishing the prospect of bowling in front of extended family as she prepares to play her first international game in India.
King's parents Leroy and Sharon were born in Chennai before moving to Melbourne before she was born.
The 27-year-old has visited the country on multiple family trips, including most recently in 2016 when she met up with several cousins and family friends.
Part of that group will now likely be there in Mumbai, with all five of Australia's T20 internationals against the hosts to be played in the city.
"A few family friends might be making the trip," King told AAP.
"There are a few in Mumbai. Hopefully I get to see them and they get to see me play in the flesh. That will be cool.
"When I do speak to them it is like nothing has changed and that could be a few months apart. And that would be cool for them to see me play cricket.
"I am sure WhatsApp will start blowing up close to the game."
Playing in India has long been a dream for King, who partly fulfilled that when she appeared for the Supernovas in the T20 Challenge earlier this year.
But this will shape as another big bucket-list item checked after a remarkable 12 months for the leg-spinner.
A debutante in last year's Ashes, King has taken 31 wickets at 20.87 in all formats since helping Australia retain that trophy, win a 50-over World Cup and Commonwealth Games gold.
"I am just trying to ride this ride as much as I can," King said.
"So far it has been bloody good and I have had some amazing people to feed off.
"Everyone gets their opportunities at different times and it looks like I had to wait longer.
"But it's great because I know my game really well and am a bit more experienced in my craft."
With a T20 World Cup two months away, the other factor in this series is the maiden Women's IPL next year.
An auction scenario is expected, but players are yet to learn full details.
But regardless, big performances in front of franchise owners could set players up for selection and big asking prices.
"It's pretty much at the forefront of everyone's mind that there is an IPL coming up," King said.
"Everyone would love to put their hand up for it.
"It's going to be big, and quite big. Everyone has been crying out for it for some time.
"It won't just help the international game, but the domestic game as well. It's going to be great and hopefully I can get the tap on the shoulder.
"But it's all focus on Mumbai for now."
Australia's T20I tour of India
Australia squad: Alyssa Healy (c), Tahlia McGrath (vc), Darcie Brown, Nicola Carey, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Grace Harris, Jess Jonassen, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland
India squad: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Shafali Verma, Yastika Bhatia, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Renuka Singh Thakur, Meghna Singh, Anjali Sarvani, Devika Vaidya, S Meghana, Richa Ghosh, Harleen Deol
December 9, D.Y. Patil Stadium, Mumbai (Dec 10, 12.30am AEDT)
December 11, D.Y. Patil Stadium, Mumbai (Dec 12, 12.30am AEDT)
December 14, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Dec 15, 12.30am AEDT)
December 17, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Dec 18, 12.30am AEDT)
December 20, Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai (Dec 21, 12.30am AEDT)