“He does not destroy anybody's self-esteem” - When legendary filmmaker praised MS Dhoni after 2011 World Cup win

Post Team India's win in the 2011 ICC Men's World Cup final against Sri Lanka, late legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal shared his thoughts on former Team India skipper MS Dhoni. Benegal died at the age of 90 on Monday, December 23.

MS Dhoni and films have had a connection ever since he became a household name across the country. The wicketkeeper-batter had his own biopic titled 'MS Dhoni: The Untold Story', which was released in 2016, while subtle references to him have been made in several movies.

Late Shyam Benegal was also someone who had an interest in cricket. During an interview with Ayaz Memon back in 2011, Benegal spoke about the host nation's win in the showpiece event after 28 years. He said:

"I am not surprised. Once Dhoni came onto the scene, it became kind of predictable that he was a leader who would get people to follow. The people and players playing for him feel confident and secure. And he does not destroy anyone's self-esteem. Even when they have lost, he included himself in that process. He does not criticize somebody else."

"So there is a manner in which he functions. He certainly seems to have a natural talent for leadership. Now I feel that this young man, Raina, was also doing a good job. But I don't know what happens to this Indian team, when they win there is this tendency to be smart. Once you win anything, you start to rest on your laurels. In sport, you have to be hungry," he added.

Take a look at the video below (from 12:10):

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India became the first host nation to win an ICC Men's ODI World Cup in 2011

Team India's ICC Men's ODI World Cup win in 2011 has always been a fan favorite and cherished, with the reference to Dhoni's winning shot often being made during the anniversary of the final (April 2). With the six-wicket win in the final, Team India became the first host nation to win a Men's ODI World.

Following that, Australia (2015) and England (2019) achieved the feat, becoming the second and third teams, respectively. Team India came close to doing it the second time in the 2023 ICC Men's ODI World Cup but fell short against Australia, who won the match by six wickets and secured their sixth Men's ODI World Cup.