New Zealand pacer Tim Southee named KKR bowling coach for IPL 2026: Report Veteran New Zealand quick bowler Tim Southee has been roped in by Kolkata Knight Riders as the team’s bowling consultant ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) CEO Venky Mysore expressed his pleasure at the arrival of Southee and lauded him for his wealth of experience, tactical nous, leadership ability, and coolheaded nature – traits that they feel will rub off beneficially on their young bowling unit. Having played for KKR from 2021 to 2023, Southee said the franchise has always been like home, and he is excited to work closely with its bowling unit.
While Southee hasn’t officially retired from international cricket, he has begun stringing coaching gigs together, including assisting the England men’s national team.
This appointment is a part of the reshuffling of KKR’s coaching department headed by new head coach, Abhishek Nayar. LSG has secured Bharat Arun and the team’s spin coach, Carl Crowe. Meanwhile, KKR has parted ways with Ottis Gibson. Shane Watson has come in as assistant coach, while Dwayne Bravo will play mentor.
Southee’s IPL journey went on from 2011 to 2023 – where he turned out for CSK, RR, RCB, MI, and KKR. In 43 matches, he picked 31 wickets, and IPL 2022 was his best season, where he picked up 14 wickets in nine matches for KKR.
