Tim Southee, a cricket star from New Zealand, has been named the bowling coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Tim Southee is a tremendous asset to KKR’s coaching staff because of his extensive international experience, profound tactical knowledge, and previous affiliation with the team.
For more than 15 years, Tim Southee , one of the most successful fast bowlers of his generation, has been a mainstay of New Zealand cricket. Southee has taken more over 700 international wickets in all formats while playing for his nation in more than 100 Test matches, more than 150 ODIs, and more than 120 T20 Internationals. Known for his swing, precision, and leadership, he captained New Zealand in a variety of formats and was instrumental in both their success in the 2021 ICC World Test Championship and their 2019 ICC World Cup campaign.
Since he played for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL in 2021, 2022, and 2023, Tim Southee is well-known among the KKR family.
Before declaring his retirement from international cricket in 2025, he had a significant influence both on and off the pitch and was well-known for his professionalism and mentoring abilities.
Venky Mysore, the CEO of the Kolkata Knight Riders, commented on the appointment:
It gives us great pleasure to have Tim Southee rejoin the KKR family, this time as a coach. Tim’s extensive background and technical know-how will be crucial in forming our bowling team. He is the perfect tutor for our young bowlers because of his calm demeanour and leadership abilities.
Southee said he was thrilled to be joining the franchise again:
I’ve always felt at home at KKKR, so it’s a privilege to be back in this new position. The franchise boasts a fantastic player base, ardent supporters, and an amazing culture. I’m excited to collaborate closely with the bowlers and support the squad in their IPL 2026 endeavours.
India
