Josh Hazlewood’s IPL Stadium Rankings: Why CSK’s Chepauk Landed Last

A Bold Take: Josh Hazlewood Ranks His Favorite IPL Grounds

As the IPL 2026 season charges into its second phase, the drama isn’t just happening on the pitch; it’s happening in the interviews. In a recent conversation with Cricbuzz, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was asked to do something every cricket fan loves: rank the popular Indian stadiums from 1 to 10 based on his playing experience.

For any player, the venue defines the game. From the humidity of the coast to the altitude of the plateau, every city in India offers a unique cultural and sporting experience that foreign players often find exhilarating. However, Hazlewood’s list has created a bit of a stir, particularly among the yellow army of Chennai.

The Top Tier and the Shocking Bottom

Unsurprisingly, the Australian pacer showed some hometown loyalty to his current franchise. Hazlewood placed the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru right at the top of his list. Following the high-scoring paradise of Bengaluru, he ranked the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai as his next preferred venues.

However, the real talking point came at the end of his list. Hazlewood placed the Chepauk Stadium, the fortress of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), dead last. While the Australian didn’t provide a specific reason for his ranking, the lack of explanation has led many CSK fans to view the move as a direct dig at the stadium’s atmosphere and playing conditions.

Whether it’s the slow nature of the pitch or the stifling humidity that defines Chennai’s cricket, Hazlewood’s personal preference clearly leans away from the Tamil Nadu capital. While fans are quick to interpret this as a rivalry-driven jab, it remains a matter of personal preference for the veteran pacer.

Hazlewood’s Dominance: More Than Just Opinions

While his stadium preferences might be controversial, Hazlewood’s performance on the field is indisputable. He has evolved into a genuine T20 weapon, proving that his red-ball mastery translates perfectly to the shortest format of the game.

Looking at his stats at the Chinnaswamy Stadium—his favorite ground—Hazlewood has been highly effective, claiming 10 wickets in 7 games at an impressive average of 22.80. His overall IPL resume is even more formidable:

• Total Wickets: 65 wickets in 44 matches.
• Bowling Average: 20.76.
• Milestones: 3 four-wicket hauls.
• Career Best: 4/12 (achieved in the 39th fixture of the 2026 season).

The DC Massacre: A Historic Bowling Display

Hazlewood’s current form was on full display during the recent clash between RCB and the Delhi Capitals (DC). In a performance that can only be described as a demolition, Hazlewood teamed up with Bhuvneshwar Kumar to leave the Capitals in ruins.

The DC batting lineup collapsed spectacularly, being bowled out for a meager 75 runs. The carnage occurred rapidly; within the first 3.3 overs, DC had lost 6 wickets with only 8 runs on the board. Hazlewood was the primary executioner, finishing with figures of 4/12 in just 3.3 overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar was equally lethal, taking 3 wickets for 5 runs in 3 overs.

What made this performance stand out was the tactical approach. Both pacers eschewed traditional T20 variations, instead bowling Test match lengths to capitalize on the seam movement and bounce of the surface. This resulted in a historic milestone: for the first time in IPL history, two bowlers claimed 3 or more wickets each within the first six overs of an innings.

RCB made short work of the chase, reaching the target with 81 balls remaining, a victory that significantly boosted their net run rate as they push for the top of the standings.

What’s Next for RCB?

With momentum on their side and their bowling attack firing on all cylinders, RCB is looking toward their next big challenge. They are scheduled to face the Gujarat Titans in the 42nd fixture of the IPL 2026 season on April 30.

The match will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad—one of the venues Hazlewood specifically ranked in his top three. With the confidence of a recent rout and the advantage of playing at a preferred ground, RCB will see this as a golden opportunity to climb back to the top of the table and cement their status as title contenders.