The former player will mentor KKR's young pace attack

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are building a completely new coaching setup for the IPL 2026 season. The franchise confirmed on Friday that New Zealand pace legend Tim Southee is rejoining the team, this time as the new KKR bowling coach. This strategic move completes a major overhaul of their support staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Southee's appointment follows two other significant hirings that signal a fresh direction for the team. Abhishek Nayar was recently named the new Head Coach, taking over the top job from Chandrakant Pandit following the 2025 campaign. Nayar, who also holds the head coach position for the UP Warriorz in the Women's Premier League (WPL), will be supported by former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who was recently brought in as the Assistant Coach.

The decision to bring Southee on board is a homecoming for the player. The veteran fast bowler, who played for the Kolkata Knight Riders from 2021 to 2023, is one of his generation's most respected cricketers. His 15-year international career includes over 700 wickets, experience captaining New Zealand, and a 2021 ICC World Test Championship victory.

In an official statement, Southee expressed his excitement, calling KKR "home" and stating it was an "honour to return" in a coaching capacity to help the bowlers succeed.

KKR CEO Venky Mysore mirrored this enthusiasm, welcoming the KKR new coach back to the family. Mysore highlighted that Southee's "vast experience" and "calm approach" make him an "ideal mentor" for the team's promising young bowling unit.

With the new leadership trio of Nayar, Watson, and Southee now in place, the team's strategy for 2026 is set. This news is sure to excite KKR fans in Bhubaneswar and IPL fans in Cuttack, who closely follow the franchise.