Chennai Super Kings (CSK) played their final home game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season on May 18, marking a significant event for the team. MS Dhoni, the legendary wicketkeeper-batter, was absent from the playing XI due to a calf injury, which had kept him out of action earlier in the tournament. Despite being part of the team, Dhoni did not attend any matches, which raised concerns from his former teammate, Ravichandran Ashwin. In a candid discussion on his YouTube channel, Ashwin expressed that he felt Dhoni's love for CSK was not visible during the team's lap of honour at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. He questioned why Dhoni, who has been with the team for years, chose to stay away from the ground on match days, despite participating in practice sessions. Ashwin emphasized the importance of Dhoni's presence for the fans, suggesting that his absence could detract from their experience. Dhoni is celebrated as one of the most successful captains in IPL history, having led CSK to five championship titles over the years.