Josh Hazlewood’s IPL Stadium Rankings: Why Chepauk is at the Bottom
Josh Hazlewood’s Shocking Stadium Rankings: A Blow to the Yellow Army?
In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the battle isn’t just between the bat and the ball; it’s often about the environment. With the IPL 2026 season now entering its second phase, the narrative has shifted from match results to personal preferences. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star pacer Josh Hazlewood shared his personal take on the various cricket grounds across India, and it seems the residents of Chennai might not be too happy with the results.
Playing in the IPL is a unique experience for foreign cricketers. Each of the ten teams is allotted specific home grounds, and each city brings its own distinct culture, weather conditions, and crowd energy. While most players praise the hospitality and the passion of the fans, Hazlewood had some very specific thoughts when asked by Cricbuzz to rank the popular Indian stadiums from 1 to 10.
The Top Picks and the Last Place Surprise
Unsurprisingly, loyalty played a part in Hazlewood’s list. The Australian speedster placed RCB’s home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, right at the top of his rankings. Known for its short boundaries and high-scoring games, the Chinnaswamy clearly resonates with the pacer. Following the Bengaluru venue, he ranked the massive Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad as second, with the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai securing the third spot.
However, the real talking point emerged at the bottom of the list. Hazlewood placed the Chepauk Stadium—the fortress of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—dead last. For a ground known for its spin-friendly tracks and one of the most loyal fanbases in the world, being ranked 10th is a tough pill to swallow.
A Direct Dig or Just Personal Preference?
As soon as the rankings went public, social media erupted. Many CSK fans viewed this as a direct dig at the franchise and the atmosphere of the Chennai stadium. In a league where rivalries are fueled by every small gesture, placing Chepauk last was seen as a statement. Interestingly, Hazlewood didn’t offer any detailed explanation for his choices. He didn’t complain about the heat or the slow nature of the pitch; he simply provided his rankings, leaving the world to speculate whether it was the humidity or the pressure of the Yellow Army that he disliked.
Beyond Opinions: Hazlewood’s Dominance in the IPL
While his opinions on stadiums are subjective, Hazlewood’s numbers on the field are objective and imposing. He has successfully transitioned his red-ball mastery into the T20 format, proving himself to be a vital asset for RCB. His comfort at the Chinnaswamy Stadium is backed by data; in his IPL career, he has claimed 10 wickets in just 7 games at the Bengaluru venue, maintaining a solid average of 22.80.
Looking at his overall IPL trajectory, Hazlewood is nothing short of a veteran. In 44 IPL matches, he has bagged 65 wickets with an impressive average of 20.76. His ability to maintain consistency is highlighted by his three four-wicket hauls, proving that he can run through any batting order regardless of the venue.
The DC Disaster: A Masterclass in Pace Bowling
Hazlewood’s recent form has been lethal, specifically in the latest clash between RCB and the Delhi Capitals (DC). In a performance that will be remembered for years, the pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar absolutely dismantled the Capitals, bowling them out for a paltry 75 runs.
The collapse was staggering. Within the first 3.3 overs, DC had lost 6 wickets with only 8 runs on the board. Hazlewood was the chief architect of this destruction, finishing with career-best figures of 4/12 in just 3.3 overs. Supporting him was Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who was equally clinical, picking up 3 wickets for just 5 runs in 3 overs.
What made this performance stand out was the discipline. Both pacers bowled traditional Test match lengths, capitalizing on the seam movement and the bounce provided by the surface. This marked a historic moment in IPL history, as it was the first time two bowlers have taken 3 or more wickets each within the first six overs of a match. RCB cruised to victory, chasing down the target with 81 balls remaining, a result that significantly boosted their net run rate.
What’s Next for RCB?
With momentum on their side, 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. Fittingly, the match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—the very venue Hazlewood ranked as his second favorite. This game represents a massive opportunity for RCB to climb the table and assert their dominance in the tournament.
