Smriti Mandhana becomes 1st cricketer to join Barbie Dream Team
06 Mar 2026

Indian cricket sensation Smriti Mandhana has been immortalized with her own Barbie doll, courtesy of Mattel's inaugural Barbie Dream Team.

This initiative honors women who have shattered stereotypes in their respective fields.

The announcement was made just ahead of International Women's Day 2026.

With this honor, Mandhana is now the first cricketer to be celebrated as a Barbie under the Dream Team program.

More about Mandhana's Barbie doll
Tribute

The Barbie doll, modeled after Mandhana, is a tribute to her illustrious career and accomplishments in international cricket.

Mattel has clarified that the doll is a special commemorative piece and will not be sold commercially.

It said in a statement, "Barbie has always championed the belief that girls can be anything. From astronauts to CEOs, Barbie has broken barriers and redefined what's possible - igniting imagination and inspiring generations of girls to dream without limits."

Mandhana's achievements in cricket
Global recognition

Mandhana, India's vice-captain in limited-overs cricket, has cemented her reputation as one of the sport's most consistent performers.

She is also the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three international formats, Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.

Mandhana expressed her gratitude on Instagram, "Still processing this moment..."

"Cricket has given me so much, and if my story helps even one girl believe she belongs on the field, that means everything."

"When girls see what's possible, they dream bigger."

Other women featured in the Dream Team
Elite group

The Dream Team initiative celebrates "an extraordinary group of global trailblazers."

This diverse lineup includes tennis superstar Serena Williams, Mexican race car driver Regina Sirvent Alvarado, research astronaut Kellie Gerardi, and England footballer Chloe Kelly.

Other notable names include Polish expedition climber Zoja Skubis, German pop singer Helene Fischer, and Australian surfing champion Stephanie Gilmore.