Smriti Mandhana honoured with one-of-a-kind Barbie doll ahead of International Women’s Day

Mumbai, March 5 — Indian batting star and national vice-captain Smriti Mandhana has become the first cricketer in history to be immortalised as a one-of-a-kind Barbie doll, announced global toy-maker Mattel on Thursday, two days before International Women’s Day.

Mandhana, 27, has been inducted into Barbie’s inaugural Dream Team, an eight-woman cohort selected for “breaking barriers” in their respective arenas. The bespoke doll, crafted in Mandhana’s likeness and wearing cricket whites, will not be sold at retail, underlining its exclusivity.

The Dream Team roster also features tennis great Serena Williams, astronaut Kellie Gerardi, Mexican racing driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, England footballer Chloe Kelly, German singer Helene Fischer, Slovenian climber Zoja Skubis and Australian surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore.

“The dream is real and we have the team to prove it,” Mattel said in its release. “Ahead of International Women’s Day, Barbie is proud to announce our first-ever Barbie Dream Team, honouring eight women from across the globe who have led the way for future generations of girls by accomplishing breakthrough firsts in their chosen paths.”

Mandhana, who recently reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings and captained Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second Women’s Premier League title earlier this year, shared her reaction on Instagram.

“Still processing this moment… Seeing a one-of-a-kind @Barbie doll inspired by my journey is something I never imagined growing up,” she wrote. “Cricket has given me so much, and if my story helps even one girl believe she belongs on the field, that means everything. Honored to be part of Barbie’s Dream Team alongside incredible women from around the world who are breaking barriers in their own fields. When girls see what’s possible, they dream bigger.”

The timing of the announcement aligns with Mattel’s long-standing Women’s Day campaigns aimed at amplifying female role models beyond traditional spheres. Mandhana’s inclusion marks the first time a cricketer—male or female—has entered Barbie’s symbolic pantheon, spotlighting the growing global resonance of women’s cricket.

Currently at the peak of her career, Mandhana continues to anchor India’s top order across formats while serving as vice-captain. Off the field, her new avatar as a Barbie icon is poised to inspire a fresh generation of girls to take up sport.