Chennai Super Kings tease MS Dhoni appearance in 2027 IPL

That's the word coming out of the CSK camp as their disappointing season came to a fitting end with an 89-run loss to the Gujarat Titans on Thursday. The five-time IPL winners have no chance of making the playoffs and can only look to the future.

Dhoni, whose last match was for CSK almost a year ago to the day, has been out with a calf strain, but the 44-year-old is still very much part of the CSK team.

Speaking to the press after Thursday's loss, CSK bowling coach Eric Simons painted a positive picture of the legend.

"Honestly, he has hit the ball so well," he said.

"He obviously had a leg injury, which made it very difficult for him to run, so that's why he couldn't play. But in terms of hitting the ball in the nets, he's hitting it as well as I've ever seen him hit it. But I keep saying this: MS will know and MS will make a decision about when he's ready and when he's right. And I tell you what, if he knows he's not, he won't play. But if he is right, he will make the decision in the best interest of the team and not for himself as an individual.

"But it would be great to have him playing. It's been great just having around the unit and being somewhat a tap into for knowledge and calmness."

CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad admitted Dhoni's absence was felt throughout the season.

"Obviously, it's a hard miss for us, definitely," said the batter.

"He's someone who can [instill] a fear in the opposition, especially coming in those late overs, can really change the game, can really change the momentum just by staying at the crease, so he's someone we definitely missed a lot this season."