The Kolkata Knight Riders have officially announced the appointment of Tim Southee as their new bowling coach for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. This decision comes as a result of Southee's extensive experience and history with the franchise. The former captain of the New Zealand cricket team retired from international cricket early in 2025 and has since been involved with England's Test setup as a bowling consultant.

At 36 years old, Southee brings a wealth of experience to KKR, having previously played with the team during the 2021, 2022, and 2023 seasons. His impressive international track record includes over 700 wickets and more than 100 Test appearances. Notably, he played a pivotal role in New Zealand's journey to the 2019 ODI World Cup final and contributed to their World Test Championship victory in 2021.

Venky Mysore, the CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders, expressed enthusiasm about Southee's return, stating, "We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity. His vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. Tim's leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers."

In response to his appointment, Southee shared his excitement about taking on this new role. He expressed, "KKR has always felt like home to me, and it's an honour to return in this new role. The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026."

Tim Southee's addition to the coaching staff is expected to be a significant step forward for the Kolkata Knight Riders as they aim to bolster their bowling lineup and enhance their competitiveness in the league. With Southee's proven track record and affinity for the franchise, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead.