IPL 2026: Tim Southee Appointed KKR Bowling Coach

New Zealand’s legendary fast bowler Tim Southee is set for a fresh chapter in his cricketing journey, having been appointed the bowling coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2026 IPL season. This marks a meaningful homecoming for Southee, who previously represented the franchise as a player.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore expressed strong enthusiasm over the appointment, saying the team was thrilled to welcome Southee back, now in a leadership and mentoring capacity. He highlighted Southee’s “vast experience, technical knowledge, and calm leadership style,” stressing that these qualities would play a major role in guiding the franchise’s bowling group. Mysore also emphasized the value Southee’s presence would bring, especially for emerging bowlers who can tremendously benefit from his insights.

Southee, who retired from international cricket in 2024, has been steadily stepping into coaching roles. He said that returning to KKR feels both “special and natural,” given his past association with the team. He praised the franchise’s culture, strong environment, and passionate supporters, adding that he looks forward to contributing to the team’s success in the 2026 season.

A Revamp in KKR’s Coaching Structure

Southee’s appointment is part of a larger reshuffle within the KKR support staff for the upcoming season. The coaching setup is now led by Abhishek Nayar, who has taken charge as the head coach. The departure of former bowling coach Bharat Arun and spin coach Carl Crowe, both of whom have moved to the Lucknow Super Giants, created openings that KKR has now filled with strategic hires.

Additionally, Ottis Gibson, who served as assistant coach last season, has exited the franchise. KKR have brought in Shane Watson as their new assistant coach, adding another layer of experience to their support team. Meanwhile, Dwayne Bravo continues to remain in his role as team mentor, maintaining continuity within the leadership group.

This comprehensive overhaul suggests the franchise is gearing up for a fresh tactical approach ahead of IPL 2026, with Southee’s addition expected to strengthen their bowling strategy significantly.

Southee’s IPL Journey and His Expertise

Southee’s experience in the IPL spans more than a decade. From 2011 to 2023, he represented several franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Mumbai Indians. His most memorable stint came with KKR, whom he joined in 2021 and stayed with until 2023.

Across 43 IPL matches, he picked up 31 wickets, with his standout season being 2022, where he claimed 14 wickets in just nine matches.

With this long and varied IPL background, Southee now steps into the coaching arena—hoping to shape the next generation of KKR bowling stars and help the team push for a strong season in 2026.