Josh Hazlewood Ranks IPL Stadiums: RCB’s Chinnaswamy Tops List, CSK’s Chepauk Bottoms Out
Contents
As the IPL 2026 season moves into its second phase, the intensity on the field is matched only by the discussions off it. The Indian Premier League is more than just a tournament; it is a traveling carnival where each of the ten teams is allotted specific home grounds. For foreign players, these stadiums are gateways to different Indian cultures, offering unique atmospheres, varying pitch conditions, and a sea of passionate supporters.
Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood shared his personal perspective on these venues. In a candid conversation with Cricbuzz, the Australian veteran was asked to rank the popular Indian stadiums from 1 to 10 based on his playing experience. While some of his choices were expected, one particular ranking has sent shockwaves through the CSK fanbase.
The Top Picks and the Big Surprise
Unsurprisingly, Hazlewood placed his current home, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, right at the top of his list. The high-scoring nature of the ground and the electric energy of the RCB crowd clearly resonate with the pacer. Following the Chinnaswamy, he ranked the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as his second favorite, with the historic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai rounding out his top three.
However, the real talking point emerged at the bottom of his list. Hazlewood placed the Chepauk Stadium—the fortress of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—dead last. For a stadium known for its deep history and strategic importance in the IPL, being ranked lowest by a world-class bowler is a significant statement.
Fan Backlash and the ‘CSK Dig’
As soon as the rankings became public, social media erupted. CSK fans, known for their fierce loyalty to their home ground and team, viewed this as a direct dig at the franchise. Many believe that the RCB pacer’s ranking reflects a dislike for the stadium’s specific atmosphere or perhaps the challenging, slow nature of the Chennai pitch that often favors spinners over raw pace.
It is important to note, however, that Josh Hazlewood did not provide any specific explanation for his rankings. While the internet is rife with theories, his list remains a matter of personal preference rather than a critique of the team or the city. In the world of professional sports, every player has a ‘favorite’ surface, and for Hazlewood, Chennai simply doesn’t make the cut.
Hazlewood’s Dominance: By the Numbers
Regardless of his preference for the venues, Hazlewood’s impact on the field is undeniable. His success at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium proves that he can thrive even in batting-friendly conditions. In his IPL career at the Bengaluru venue, he has claimed 10 wickets in just 7 games, maintaining a commendable average of 22.80.
Looking at his broader IPL trajectory, Hazlewood has established himself as a cornerstone of the T20 format. Across 44 IPL games, he has picked up 65 wickets at an impressive average of 20.76, including three four-wicket hauls. While many know him for his red-ball heroics in Test cricket, his ability to adapt to the white-ball game has been stellar. His career-best figures of 4/12 were recently achieved during the 39th fixture of the IPL 2026 season against the Delhi Capitals.
A Masterclass Against Delhi Capitals
The aforementioned figures came during a devastating spell in the latest clash between RCB and DC. In a display of pure pace and precision, the duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar completely dismantled the Capitals’ batting lineup, bowling them out for a meager 75 runs.
The carnage started early. In a staggering collapse, DC lost 6 wickets for just 8 runs within the first 3.3 overs. Hazlewood was the primary destroyer, finishing with 4/12 in 3.3 overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar provided lethal support, taking 3 wickets for just 5 runs in 3 overs.
What made this performance historic was the length and discipline. Both pacers bowled Test-match lengths, utilizing the seam movement and bounce of the surface to leave the batsmen clueless. This marked the first time in IPL history that two bowlers have taken three or more wickets each within the first six overs of an innings. RCB chased down the target with 81 balls remaining, significantly boosting their net run rate in the process.
What’s Next for RCB?
Buoyed by this massive victory, RCB is now looking forward to the 42nd fixture of the IPL 2026 season. They are set to face the Gujarat Titans on April 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Given that this stadium is ranked #2 on Hazlewood’s list, the pacer will likely be highly motivated to perform once again. This match represents a golden opportunity for RCB to climb back to the top of the table and cement their status as title contenders.
