Josh Hazlewood Ranks IPL Stadiums: Chinnaswamy Tops, Chepauk Disappoints
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A Bold Opinion on IPL Venues
As the IPL 2026 season intensifies, the off-field chatter has become just as compelling as the action on the pitch. Recently, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood offered his professional take on the various cricket stadiums across India, ranking his top venues based on his personal playing experience. While his preference for certain grounds came as little surprise, his decision to place the iconic Chepauk stadium—the home ground of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—at the bottom of his list has certainly stirred the pot among cricket enthusiasts.
The Rankings: Chinnaswamy Takes the Crown
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Cricbuzz, the veteran Australian pacer was asked to rank ten of the most popular Indian stadiums. Unsurprisingly, Hazlewood expressed a deep affinity for his current home ground, the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, placing it firmly at the top of the pile. Following closely behind were the world-renowned Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the legendary Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
However, the conversation took a turn when the bottom of his list was revealed. By placing the Chepauk stadium last, Hazlewood inadvertently ignited a firestorm among CSK supporters. While the pacer offered no specific explanation for his ranking, fans were quick to interpret the move as a slight against the atmosphere and conditions in Chennai. Whether it is a matter of pitch preference or the hostile environment created by the home fans, Hazlewood’s ranking remains a purely personal, albeit controversial, perspective.
Josh Hazlewood’s Performance Record
Despite the debate surrounding his stadium rankings, Hazlewood’s performance in the IPL remains undeniable. His record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium speaks for itself, boasting 10 wickets in 7 games with an average of 22.80. Across his overall IPL career, he has solidified his status as a T20 master, accumulating 65 wickets in 44 games at an impressive average of 20.76. His consistency, including three four-wicket hauls, proves that his skills translate seamlessly from Test cricket to the high-pressure T20 format.
The Destruction of Delhi Capitals
Hazlewood’s recent form reached its zenith during the clash against the Delhi Capitals in the 39th fixture of the IPL 2026 season. Alongside teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Hazlewood spearheaded a bowling masterclass that saw the Capitals bundled out for a mere 75 runs.
The duo’s dominance was historic:
- In just 3.3 overs, Delhi Capitals lost 6 wickets for only 8 runs.
- Hazlewood finished with stunning figures of 4/12.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar claimed 3 wickets for just 5 runs.
- This performance marked the first time in IPL history that two bowlers each took 3+ wickets within the first 6 overs.
By utilizing Test-match lengths, consistent seam movement, and exploiting the bounce off the surface, the pair dismantled the Capitals’ top order with ruthless efficiency. RCB successfully chased down the total with 81 balls to spare, providing a massive boost to their net run rate.
Looking Ahead to Ahmedabad
With momentum firmly on their side, RCB is now preparing for the 42nd fixture of the season against the Gujarat Titans. Scheduled for April 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium—a venue Hazlewood ranked highly in his list—this match represents a golden opportunity for RCB to climb further up the points table. As the tournament moves into its decisive phase, all eyes will be on whether Hazlewood can continue his lethal form and lead the Bangalore outfit toward playoff glory.
Whether you agree with his rankings or not, Josh Hazlewood has undoubtedly made his mark on the 2026 season, proving that he is as effective with his words as he is with the new ball.
