Indian cricketer Smriti Mandhana has become the first cricketer in the world to be immortalised as a Barbie doll, as part of Mattel’s inaugural Barbie Dream Team collection celebrating women breaking barriers in their fields.
Revealed on 5 March ahead of International Women’s Day, the one-of-a-kind doll features Mandhana in a cricket jersey emblazoned with her name and number, accompanied by a personalised bat and gloves.
Mandhana, India’s vice-captain and a leading batter, shared her reaction on Instagram, describing the moment as “still processing” and expressing hope that her story inspires girls to pursue their ambitions in sports.
“Cricket has given me so much, and if my story helps even one girl believe she belongs on the field, that means everything,” she wrote.
“Honoured 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 Dream Team collection also features prominent figures from diverse fields, including tennis legend Serena Williams, astronaut Kellie Gerardi, professional race car driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, English footballer Chloe Kelly, pop artist Helene Fischer, expedition climber Zoja Skubis, and professional surfer Stephanie Gilmore.
Mattel said the initiative honours women who have achieved “breakthrough firsts” and paved the way for future generations.
Mandhana recently returned to the top of the ICC ODI batting rankings and led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second Women’s Premier League title earlier this year, reinforcing her status as one of the world’s leading cricketers.
Smriti Mandhana joins a select group of Indian athletes previously honoured by Barbie, including Paralympic badminton player Manasi Joshi, who in 2020 received a one-of-a-kind doll modelled on her.
At the time, Joshi wrote on Instagram: “Thank you @Barbie, it’s incredible to have an OOAK Barbie Doll modelled after me.”
“I believe education around inclusion and diversity should start early, and I hope that my story encourages young girls to harness their true potential and become whoever they set out to be.”
Barbie, first introduced by American businesswoman Ruth Handler in 1959, has sold billions of dolls worldwide and remains Mattel’s most profitable line.
The Dream Team series, unveiled in a video showing Mandhana admiring her doll, is a bespoke creation and not available for retail, timed to coincide with International Women’s Day celebrations.
“This is about celebrating women who lead by example and inspire the next generation,” a Mattel spokesperson said. “The dream is real, and we have the team to prove it.”
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