{"id":1123,"date":"2025-11-14T16:44:18","date_gmt":"2025-11-14T11:14:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tradebrains.in\/sports\/?p=1123"},"modified":"2025-11-14T16:47:49","modified_gmt":"2025-11-14T11:17:49","slug":"tim-southee-joins-kolkata-knight-riders-for-ipl-2026-but-not-as-a-player-more-details-inside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tradebrains.in\/sports\/tim-southee-joins-kolkata-knight-riders-for-ipl-2026-but-not-as-a-player-more-details-inside\/","title":{"rendered":"Tim Southee Joins Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2026 – But Not as a Player! More Details Inside"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In a smart fashion, the Kolkata Knight Riders have taken a big step by making the former New Zealand pace legend Tim Southee their bowling coach, ahead of IPL 2026. This option is the one the franchise is going for, in its attempt to make a complete change in its support staff and to create a bowling unit that is even stronger than before for the next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Southee, who has just retired from his international career, comes with a lot of experience having played more than 100 Test matches, 150+ ODIs and more than 120 T20Is, gaining over 700 wickets in total across formats. The player has already been associated with KKR in the IPL for three seasons from (2021-2023) and the move now looks like a homecoming to him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his first statement as bowling coach, Southee said: \u201cKKR has always felt like home to me, and it\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/em> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

Also read: IPL 2026: Shardul Thakur and Sherfane Rutherford Traded to Mumbai Indians \u2013 Contract Details<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

KKR\u2019s CEO, Venky Mysore, commented: \u201cWe are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity. Tim\u2019s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.\u201d<\/em> <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The timing of this appointment is very important. KKR has fired their bowling coach Bharat Arun, which is an indication that they are changing their support staff. On top of that, there are other coaching changes like the hiring of Shane Watson as the assistant coach, the franchise is definitely doing a re-build for the next season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With Tim Southee joining KKR’s bowling unit, the franchise will not only have an extra hand in the pace department but also a tactically skilled player. Southee’s knowledge in swing and seam bowling and how to read the pitch will enable the team to be more flexible at different places and in different situations. The young bowlers in the squad may find it easier to acquire skills through his guidance and also when he shares his experiences from the big matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

KKR have completely revamped their squad as they want to start the new season fresh after having a very poor campaign last year. They have made changes across the entire coaching setup, bringing in a new head coach, a new bowling coach, and a new assistant coach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n