Chennai, March 22 -- Newly appointed Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad said that the confidence that the franchise gave him during his tough phase helped him play more freely.

CSK will kickstart the Ruturaj-era in the Indian Premier League (IPL) opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Chepauk Stadium on Friday.

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Thursday announced star opener Ruturaj Gikwad as the side's new skipper of the team. The decision marks the end of Dhoni's long reign at the helm of the CSK, during which he led them to five IPL titles.

Speaking in a video by CSK, Ruturaj said that the management was well aware of the tough phase Gaikwad was going through in the COVID-19, which ...