New Delhi: India’s vice-captain and World Cup-winning cricketer Smriti Mandhana has received a special honour ahead of International Women’s Day. It’s an adorable Barbie doll inspired by her journey in cricket. Toymaker Mattel unveiled the doll as part of its first-ever Barbie Dream Team, celebrating women who have broken barriers and inspired future generations in their respective fields. Mandhana shared her reaction on Instagram, saying she was still processing the moment and never imagined seeing a Barbie created in her likeness while growing up. She said cricket had given her so much and hoped her story would help young girls believe they belonged on the field.

The limited-edition doll reflects Mandhana’s identity as a cricketer, featuring a jersey with her name and number 18, along with cricket gear. Alongside the Indian star, the Dream Team includes several global icons from sport, science and entertainment who have achieved significant milestones and are encouraging girls around the world to dream bigger and pursue their ambitions. Here are the details of Smriti Mandhana’s reaction and other iconic women who received this honour.

Smriti Mandhana reacts to honour

Mandhana expressed her excitement on Instagram after seeing the doll inspired by her journey. “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. She added that cricket had given her immense opportunities, and if her story encouraged even one girl to believe she belonged on the field, it would mean everything.

In a video shared online, Mandhana is seen admiring the doll and saying, “So cute. So nice. I genuinely love the doll. They have made the jersey so nice.”

The doll features a jersey with ‘Smriti’ and the number 18 printed on it. The collection also includes a cricket bat marked ‘SM-18’, representing her initials and jersey number, along with gloves similar to the ones she uses on the field.

Other iconic women honoured by Barbie Dream Team

Mattel’s first Barbie Dream Team recognises eight women from different parts of the world who have achieved breakthrough milestones and paved the way for future generations of girls.

Serena Williams

Tennis legend with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, entrepreneur and global sporting icon.

Kellie Gerardi

Research astronaut and payload specialist from the United States.

Regina Sirvent Alvarado

Professional race car driver and one of the most prominent figures in motorsport in Mexico.

Chloe Kelly

Professional footballer and a defining face of modern women’s football from the United Kingdom.

Helene Fischer

Among Germany’s most famous and influential contemporary pop artists.

Zoja Skubis

Youngest Polish woman to summit both Manaslu (8,163 m) and Mount Everest (8,849 m).

Stephanie Gilmore

Professional surfer and the first woman to achieve eight World Surf League (WSL) World Championship titles.

By adding Smriti Mandhana to its first Dream Team, Barbie continues its tradition of celebrating real-life achievers whose journeys encourage young girls to imagine stronger possibilities and step confidently into fields once considered beyond their reach.