IPL 2018: 5 best stadiums hosting the IPL this season

You could watch the ball flying through the air or laugh realising what the player said in slow motion, but nothing beats the experience of watching a match in the stadium. From syncing your hands to the Mexican wave to wishing your phone's battery doesn't drain away before the flashlights go on, there is a lot going on in the stadiums. The sense of being a 'fan' of your team truly hits you there.

In this riveting season of IPL, with an intensified sense of belonging to a team, every stadium strives to give the best experience to its fans. They receive as much affection as its players. So, let's have a look at 5 best stadiums this season:

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#1 Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore

With the first cricket stadium in the world to install in-house solar panels, the stadium has already raised its game. During the IPL, the stadium turns into an ocean of red flags roaring in support of the home team, the RCB. The chants of 'aaarrr cceee bbeee' do not cease while their star batsmen, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, dispatch balls to the boundary lines endlessly.

As a part of their promotions, the RCB management have indulged into a Game of Thrones reference and have named their stadium as their 'Red Keep' (#idhunammaredkeep began trending). With the first match beginning on the 13th April, against the Kings XI Punjab, the stadium is expected to receive the maximum footfall in the season.

#2 Chepauk Stadium, Chennai Super Kings

If one thing the CSK are proud of then it is their fan army! With enormous promotions by the returning team, they are sure to cherish their 'den' the most. The Lions are known for their best fan interactions.

The treats that meet their super fans' eyes do not limit to explosive batting or intensive fielding. Before leaving, two years ago, the team handed over goodies to their fans thanking them for their loyalty.

The fans, just as loyal as they were earlier, patiently awaited its team's return and cheered for their practice matches with a near full-house audience. Chepauk, the whistles, and their thala MS Dhoni have already made their Summer delightful.

#3 Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians

Which better stadium than the one where India won their World Cup in 2011?

With the patronage of the god himself, Sachin Tendulkar and the likes of Rohit Sharma, Pandya brothers and Malinga, the Mumbai Indian fans have always painted the stadium blue during the IPL. Several initiatives from the owners have also welcomed thousands of school children as their special guests to the matches.

The suspended cantilever roofs and the exhaust fans in them along with the sea breezes ensure a blissful watch for its fans. During the game, a fan also has the access to eatables from Dominos pizza, Subway Subs, Baskin Icecreams, etc. Every Mumbaikar who has ever visited the stadium would definitely urge others to watch at least one match in the Wankhede to simply feel that electric atmosphere.

#4 Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Rajasthan Royals

The fortress of the Royals was built during the reign of the king Sawai Mansingh II who was also known as SMS. During the Maharashtra droughts in 2016, Mumbai opted for the same SMS stadium as their substitute home stadium. The ground is believed to be one of the well-maintained stadiums in India. It also gives a first-hand feel of a Rajasthani architecture, something many fans talk about after they've visited the stadium.

With the return of the Royals, don't be surprised if you see the beaming royal blue tint. The fans appear to be ready to conquer the stands and roar their support for the first ever IPL Champions.

#5 Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders

With the Badshah of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, as one of their owners, the KKR fans have never ceased to cheer their two-time champion team. A mass of purple greets the fans as they enter the world famous, Eden Garden which is the oldest stadium in India to be functional.

The chants of 'korbo lorbo jeet bol' engulfs the air in the stadium and the players complement the energy of their fans with every ball that's bowled or every ball that's put outside the boundary rope.

Despite their favourite Gambhir moving to Delhi, the #amiKKR looks to dominate the league with their new captain and the very-balanced squad that they've put together.